Monday, October 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Marginalized commodities
Addressing the issues which affect women and the matters which make them second class citizens, is a problem that spirals and whirls around leading back to a single point (the beginning if you will). A problem that is rooted in cultural customs and traditions. It is the problem / injustice of valuating women based on an antiquated concepts which leave them as commodities, worth only what they can offer their male counterparts in the way of children (oft times male children). This is a complex environment where-by the exact reasons for valuing women is the same reason she is marginalized and belittled. I dare say, disenfranchised. She is prized for her ability to, submissively perform her cultural “duties” as child bearer. Yet the sword is double edged… For that same reason is her condemnation.
Countless countries make a practice of polygamy (men having more than one “wife”), which in turn causes surges in populations. In countries where men’s virility is based in the number of wives and children he has, it would seem to be a huge benefit to the “men” to follow customary traditions. (It has only been as necessary to do so by those who felt they had the most to gain from such subjugation). The strains of population and the effects this population has on resources are devastating, on many levels. However, the women in these environments risk ridicule, ostracism, and even being cast out of their homes if they are not compliant.
When populations are in need of modification, women’s wombs become the topic of patriarchal policy. In instance after instance one need not look too far to find evidence to support this fact. If a population believes there are not enough members of a said community (or there is projected to be a future deficit, with in a given generation) the demands are placed on her to procreate, where- by giving a false sense of value to those who comply and ostracizes those who cannot or “will not. In other instances, if a community is believed to have too many members (or it is projected to have a future surge within a given generation), the sanctions which are placed are strategically placed on the woman. The penalties are heavy and severe, for violating or choosing top make independent decisions on her own reproduction.
For this same reason, when countries, which consider themselves more progressive and places itself in the position of “Parental-Leader” to its people, have substantial population surges… Their answer is to impose laws which strip the natural reproductive rights of women, from them. In these instances, if a woman chooses to reproduce (conceive a child) without governmental consent she has one of a few options… 1.) abort the pregnancy (and there is no set time frame in which this is done. Whenever she is caught she will be forcibly aborted) 2.)Pay fines which can equal to 5 years salary and if unable to pay all property and possessions are taken and surrendered to the government (so it is obvious who benefits from this ) or 3.)Secretly give birth in unhealthy and of times unsanitary conditions (by way of going into hiding). This option runs the risk of trying to raise a child that is considered a non person who is not entitled to legal, educational or governmental options. This last option has led to extremes in familial decisions. One decision circling back to another horrific outcome.. Of which is the selling of the child (usually by the male “head of the household” and the child is usually a female child or a subordinate male child) to a trafficker, for less than one years salary.
This has led to a disproportion in gender (gender imbalance) whereby leaving one to two generations of males without options to marry “traditionally“. Thereby opening the market to traffickers, even further, to kidnap or purchase unwanted young girls for the purpose of future marriage. In patriarchal cultures where the male child is valued more highly than female children, the practice of aborting unwanted genders (female offspring) has increased exponentially (we have modern science’s free handed intrusion on reproduction to thank for this option). Entrenching the disparity in the appreciation of the plight of a women’s value.
To speak to gender imbalance and empowering women, from a matter-of-fact and more appreciative perspective, there is a logical solution. Polyandry…In this a woman has the option to have multiple husbands. This satisfies the fundamental need to group in family units and controls the population (Logic: A woman can only reproduce on average once per year or 18 months, not counting the nursing period where by the ability to reproduce is severely diminished. This in stark contrast to polyandry‘s opposite whereby one man can reproduce with “all” of his wives in the same time frame whereby having as many children as he has wives, in that same year.). This approach shifts the valuation of women from being possessions and second class citizens to being principal owners of their lives and existences.
As it stands in many countries, today, the voices of women are heralded as insignificant and often go ignored. It has long been time for a reconsideration of the patriarchal societal hierarchy and for that same pachrioracal societal hierarchy to relinquish the strangle hold that believes itself entitled to have, on the women it desperately needs for without whom, said hierarchy, could not survive. This would, in turn, cause a reassessment of traditional priorities and their relevance to the actual world around them. Yet, this seems more than logical. It is necessary. For what are traditions? They are guidelines set by ancestors, long since departed, created to assist them, in the world in which they lived, expected to be followed by their descendants. There is no crime or dishonor in adjusting and modifying those traditions to fit the present day and age… If we do not address and correct what is horrifically wrong, what are we truly leaving as legacy for our progeny?
What is more important, doing what is necessary to adapt, survive and evolve? Or preserving some false sense of superiority over a power source which you cannot, and will not be able to bridal, harness, restrain or contain? In essence the object of patriarchal divergence is their single most important (and necessary) being… WOMAN.
A call for addressing this maze of lunacy which surrounds the valuation of women, is not only over due but inevitable. Viewing women as commodities and our wombs as political platforms is no longer acceptable. I must reiterate. the exact reasons for valuing women is the same reason she is marginalized and belittled. I dare say, disenfranchised. Change comes in one or two ways, amiably and voluntarily or through struggle and conflict. This change must be met amiably.
Countless countries make a practice of polygamy (men having more than one “wife”), which in turn causes surges in populations. In countries where men’s virility is based in the number of wives and children he has, it would seem to be a huge benefit to the “men” to follow customary traditions. (It has only been as necessary to do so by those who felt they had the most to gain from such subjugation). The strains of population and the effects this population has on resources are devastating, on many levels. However, the women in these environments risk ridicule, ostracism, and even being cast out of their homes if they are not compliant.
When populations are in need of modification, women’s wombs become the topic of patriarchal policy. In instance after instance one need not look too far to find evidence to support this fact. If a population believes there are not enough members of a said community (or there is projected to be a future deficit, with in a given generation) the demands are placed on her to procreate, where- by giving a false sense of value to those who comply and ostracizes those who cannot or “will not. In other instances, if a community is believed to have too many members (or it is projected to have a future surge within a given generation), the sanctions which are placed are strategically placed on the woman. The penalties are heavy and severe, for violating or choosing top make independent decisions on her own reproduction.
For this same reason, when countries, which consider themselves more progressive and places itself in the position of “Parental-Leader” to its people, have substantial population surges… Their answer is to impose laws which strip the natural reproductive rights of women, from them. In these instances, if a woman chooses to reproduce (conceive a child) without governmental consent she has one of a few options… 1.) abort the pregnancy (and there is no set time frame in which this is done. Whenever she is caught she will be forcibly aborted) 2.)Pay fines which can equal to 5 years salary and if unable to pay all property and possessions are taken and surrendered to the government (so it is obvious who benefits from this ) or 3.)Secretly give birth in unhealthy and of times unsanitary conditions (by way of going into hiding). This option runs the risk of trying to raise a child that is considered a non person who is not entitled to legal, educational or governmental options. This last option has led to extremes in familial decisions. One decision circling back to another horrific outcome.. Of which is the selling of the child (usually by the male “head of the household” and the child is usually a female child or a subordinate male child) to a trafficker, for less than one years salary.
This has led to a disproportion in gender (gender imbalance) whereby leaving one to two generations of males without options to marry “traditionally“. Thereby opening the market to traffickers, even further, to kidnap or purchase unwanted young girls for the purpose of future marriage. In patriarchal cultures where the male child is valued more highly than female children, the practice of aborting unwanted genders (female offspring) has increased exponentially (we have modern science’s free handed intrusion on reproduction to thank for this option). Entrenching the disparity in the appreciation of the plight of a women’s value.
To speak to gender imbalance and empowering women, from a matter-of-fact and more appreciative perspective, there is a logical solution. Polyandry…In this a woman has the option to have multiple husbands. This satisfies the fundamental need to group in family units and controls the population (Logic: A woman can only reproduce on average once per year or 18 months, not counting the nursing period where by the ability to reproduce is severely diminished. This in stark contrast to polyandry‘s opposite whereby one man can reproduce with “all” of his wives in the same time frame whereby having as many children as he has wives, in that same year.). This approach shifts the valuation of women from being possessions and second class citizens to being principal owners of their lives and existences.
As it stands in many countries, today, the voices of women are heralded as insignificant and often go ignored. It has long been time for a reconsideration of the patriarchal societal hierarchy and for that same pachrioracal societal hierarchy to relinquish the strangle hold that believes itself entitled to have, on the women it desperately needs for without whom, said hierarchy, could not survive. This would, in turn, cause a reassessment of traditional priorities and their relevance to the actual world around them. Yet, this seems more than logical. It is necessary. For what are traditions? They are guidelines set by ancestors, long since departed, created to assist them, in the world in which they lived, expected to be followed by their descendants. There is no crime or dishonor in adjusting and modifying those traditions to fit the present day and age… If we do not address and correct what is horrifically wrong, what are we truly leaving as legacy for our progeny?
What is more important, doing what is necessary to adapt, survive and evolve? Or preserving some false sense of superiority over a power source which you cannot, and will not be able to bridal, harness, restrain or contain? In essence the object of patriarchal divergence is their single most important (and necessary) being… WOMAN.
A call for addressing this maze of lunacy which surrounds the valuation of women, is not only over due but inevitable. Viewing women as commodities and our wombs as political platforms is no longer acceptable. I must reiterate. the exact reasons for valuing women is the same reason she is marginalized and belittled. I dare say, disenfranchised. Change comes in one or two ways, amiably and voluntarily or through struggle and conflict. This change must be met amiably.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Simon Says
I went on a journey trying to find what was missing.
I plotted the stars and constellations for definition and explanation for you,.. Of you.
I have eaten from life’s tree and have interpreted the ancient texts, trying to transform mass from sprit. Solace from sound.
Now, the knowledge of the ages gestates within me. The halo of life circles and bathes me in hues of golden light… Around and around.
It is all so simple… As effortless as childhood…
Simon Says, Play a game with me..
Where the red light of betrayal has no command and the green light of faith coronate you and heralds in a new day.
Simon Says, Play hopscotch, on history’s floor, remember the time, when I was yen to your yang, bringing balance… Nothing more.
Simon says, remember hiding from heaven with one foot outside the door? Seeking with three eyes , what you were born for.
Simon says, play a game of freeze tag with history and remember when like four score and seven years ago, you conquered cultural battle fields, knelt down and received khemet’s gift, your crown.
Simon says, sing a round, a round as you row, row, row your boat to Jordan’s welcoming shores.
Take a journey with me~ Simon says~ jump through the cycling rope and find him in the cipher’s notes.
Simon says, pay homage to the heavens… Remember in the stars it is wrote, your destiny was conceived by ISIS and born in the calculating hands of fate and her game of … iny, miny, miny moe.
Simon says, play a game with me .. Where the red light does not betray you and the green light coronates you and heralds in a new day.
You see, I went on a journey, trying to find what was missing I plotted the stars and constellations for definition and explanation, and Simon says, it was as effortless, as childhood.
I plotted the stars and constellations for definition and explanation for you,.. Of you.
I have eaten from life’s tree and have interpreted the ancient texts, trying to transform mass from sprit. Solace from sound.
Now, the knowledge of the ages gestates within me. The halo of life circles and bathes me in hues of golden light… Around and around.
It is all so simple… As effortless as childhood…
Simon Says, Play a game with me..
Where the red light of betrayal has no command and the green light of faith coronate you and heralds in a new day.
Simon Says, Play hopscotch, on history’s floor, remember the time, when I was yen to your yang, bringing balance… Nothing more.
Simon says, remember hiding from heaven with one foot outside the door? Seeking with three eyes , what you were born for.
Simon says, play a game of freeze tag with history and remember when like four score and seven years ago, you conquered cultural battle fields, knelt down and received khemet’s gift, your crown.
Simon says, sing a round, a round as you row, row, row your boat to Jordan’s welcoming shores.
Take a journey with me~ Simon says~ jump through the cycling rope and find him in the cipher’s notes.
Simon says, pay homage to the heavens… Remember in the stars it is wrote, your destiny was conceived by ISIS and born in the calculating hands of fate and her game of … iny, miny, miny moe.
Simon says, play a game with me .. Where the red light does not betray you and the green light coronates you and heralds in a new day.
You see, I went on a journey, trying to find what was missing I plotted the stars and constellations for definition and explanation, and Simon says, it was as effortless, as childhood.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Quote of the week....
No nation can now shut itself up from the surrounding world, and trot round in the same old path of its fathers without interference. The time was when such could be done. Long established customs of hurtful character could formerly fence themselves in, and do their evil work with social impunity. Knowledge was then confined and enjoyed by the privileged few, and the multitude walked on in mental darkness. But a change has now come over the affairs of mankind. Walled cities and empires have become unfashionable. ... Intelligence is penetrating the darkest corners of the globe. Oceans no longer divide, but link nations together. ... "
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Re-introduction of ~ Goddesses and Witches
It is amazing how one quotation from one book, at one moment in time, can so, absolutely, alter the corse of one's life... To be made whole and given clarity, all, in one instant. To have complete and total understanding of all things, intrinsic to ones life. There is no greater JOY....
This is the trigger, for my evolution, and I am pleased and honored to share it with you.. I pray the Goddess blesses you with the same energy which she has blessed me...
"There was something about the relationship she had with animals and with her children that deeply satisfied woman. It was of this that man was jealous. The animals can remember; for, like sight, memory is renewed at every birth. But our language they will never speak; not from lack of intelligence, but from the different construction of their speaking apparatus. In the world of man, someone must speak for them. And that is why, in a nutshell, Suwelo, goddesses and witches exist... "
- Alice Walker, The Temple of My Familiar
This is the trigger, for my evolution, and I am pleased and honored to share it with you.. I pray the Goddess blesses you with the same energy which she has blessed me...
"There was something about the relationship she had with animals and with her children that deeply satisfied woman. It was of this that man was jealous. The animals can remember; for, like sight, memory is renewed at every birth. But our language they will never speak; not from lack of intelligence, but from the different construction of their speaking apparatus. In the world of man, someone must speak for them. And that is why, in a nutshell, Suwelo, goddesses and witches exist... "
- Alice Walker, The Temple of My Familiar
legalise prostitution for the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa
This would be a very progressive and successful move, for the SA Gvmt. It would, also, go a long way in setting a platform to empower women and allowing them to make (safe and protected) decisions about their bodies and sexual choices, not only in their chosen profession but in their lives, in general.
The local authority in Durban wants legalised adult entertainment venues during the tournament.
But African Nazareth Democratic Movement (ANDM) president Thokozani Hlatshwayo said the proposal was "against the word of God". * Not everyone has the same "Concept of God", therefore spoon feeding people religion, through leagl policy, is abserd* Opposition parties fear that, if introduced, it could become permanent. The main opposition Democratic Alliance and the youth wing of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have condemned the suggestion. "Plans to legalise Durban's red-light districts before the 2010 World Cup should be condemned in the strongest possible manner," said Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi of the IFP youth brigade. She said the South African government was sending out mixed messages to young people. "On the one hand it preaches strong family values and moral regeneration, but on the other hand they want to legalise prostitution on Durban's streets. It doesn't make sense," she said. An additional concern is Aids - some five million people in South Africa are HIV-positive - making it one of the world's worst-hit countries. * Halting the spread of HIV/Aids is a matter of education and bringing a tabu subject out of the dark and addressing it in safe and mature enviornments. The spread of HIV/Aids has not deminished, thusfar, and policies have been in place to keep prostitution illegal. Family values and health are matters of indivisual responsibility.*
Durban's municipality said Germany had many adult entertainment centres during the World Cup in 2006, which were very popular with visitors. *For as long as there have been men and women, there has been a srtiving industry of sex. Making it a safe and common place enviornment, is now the matter.*It said while prostitution was illegal in South Africa, it could not ignore the fact that the sex industry thrives during major events like the World Cup. To address this, entertainment centres such as strip clubs and escort agencies would be located in special areas where they would be safe and easily accessible. Municipality Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo said a final decision had not yet been taken. "The national government will give us a lead in this matter, whether it relates to the 2010 Soccer World Cup or any other time for that matter," he said.
City officials admit that there are already young girls and women working as prostitutes on the streets of Durban. They say plans are already in place to help them operate in safe environments. *This option has been proven successful. Note: Navada (USA) and Ansterdam, where there are laws mandating health care and retirement plans for workers.*
In January, MP George Lekgetho called for prostitution to be legalised during the tournament.
"It is one of the things that would make it a success," he said. He told parliament that it would help cut incidences of rape. The BBC's Mpho Lakaje in Johannesburg says his suggestion was met with derision by other MPs. But a group representing sex workers welcomed it.
"We would support any legalisation of sex work, particularly during the 2010 World Cup," Nicola Fick from the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Task Force (Sweat) told the BBC.
The idea of legalising sex workers was first proposed last year by police commissioner Jackie Selebi.
The local authority in Durban wants legalised adult entertainment venues during the tournament.
But African Nazareth Democratic Movement (ANDM) president Thokozani Hlatshwayo said the proposal was "against the word of God". * Not everyone has the same "Concept of God", therefore spoon feeding people religion, through leagl policy, is abserd* Opposition parties fear that, if introduced, it could become permanent. The main opposition Democratic Alliance and the youth wing of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have condemned the suggestion. "Plans to legalise Durban's red-light districts before the 2010 World Cup should be condemned in the strongest possible manner," said Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi of the IFP youth brigade. She said the South African government was sending out mixed messages to young people. "On the one hand it preaches strong family values and moral regeneration, but on the other hand they want to legalise prostitution on Durban's streets. It doesn't make sense," she said. An additional concern is Aids - some five million people in South Africa are HIV-positive - making it one of the world's worst-hit countries. * Halting the spread of HIV/Aids is a matter of education and bringing a tabu subject out of the dark and addressing it in safe and mature enviornments. The spread of HIV/Aids has not deminished, thusfar, and policies have been in place to keep prostitution illegal. Family values and health are matters of indivisual responsibility.*
Durban's municipality said Germany had many adult entertainment centres during the World Cup in 2006, which were very popular with visitors. *For as long as there have been men and women, there has been a srtiving industry of sex. Making it a safe and common place enviornment, is now the matter.*It said while prostitution was illegal in South Africa, it could not ignore the fact that the sex industry thrives during major events like the World Cup. To address this, entertainment centres such as strip clubs and escort agencies would be located in special areas where they would be safe and easily accessible. Municipality Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo said a final decision had not yet been taken. "The national government will give us a lead in this matter, whether it relates to the 2010 Soccer World Cup or any other time for that matter," he said.
City officials admit that there are already young girls and women working as prostitutes on the streets of Durban. They say plans are already in place to help them operate in safe environments. *This option has been proven successful. Note: Navada (USA) and Ansterdam, where there are laws mandating health care and retirement plans for workers.*
In January, MP George Lekgetho called for prostitution to be legalised during the tournament.
"It is one of the things that would make it a success," he said. He told parliament that it would help cut incidences of rape. The BBC's Mpho Lakaje in Johannesburg says his suggestion was met with derision by other MPs. But a group representing sex workers welcomed it.
"We would support any legalisation of sex work, particularly during the 2010 World Cup," Nicola Fick from the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Task Force (Sweat) told the BBC.
The idea of legalising sex workers was first proposed last year by police commissioner Jackie Selebi.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Abstinence-Only Education Just Says No to the Truth
By Kim Gandy, NOW Foundation President
During the discussion at a Chicago teen forum called Let's Talk About Sex, a young man offered a novel suggestion: if you don't have a condom, you can always use aluminum foil. I can't quite make my mind go there. This sparked a debate among the 14 to 19-year-old audience about the efficacy of homemade plastic bag condoms, having sex while standing up (to prevent pregnancy, of course), and bathing after sex to rid oneself of potentially harmful sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
While our president and his allies believe that talking to teenagers about sex is equivalent to putting them in a room together, naked, with instructions to try out their parts – we are learning firsthand the dangers of abstinence-only education. Yes, having teen sex talks can be awkward for both parents and educators alike; but the alternative is worse. More teens are having sex without knowing the facts or the consequences, and abstinence-only funding is to blame.
Still, "Just say NO" and "condoms don't work" funding continues. We are reminded of its ineffectiveness in epidemic proportions: a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study released in March indicates one out of every four teenage girls – that's 3.2 million young women – "has at least one of the most common sexually transmitted infections." For African-American girls, the infection rate was double – i.e. half of those between the ages of 14-19 were infected. Common STIs reported in the study included: human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, herpes simplex virus and trichomoniasis.
Higher susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, possible sterilization, and potentially terminal cervical cancer are just a few of the consequences of untreated STIs. It's appalling that before teens are equipped to make responsible decisions about sex, their entire sexual futures could be irreversibly compromised.
From 2000 to 2007, funding for abstinence-only education rose by $116 million dollars, totaling more than $1.3 billion over the last decade. In the last year alone, $176 million was allocated for programs that preach abstention from sex until marriage as the only viable option for adolescents and actually prohibit teaching about condoms or other contraceptives -- other than to discuss failure rates. And a Congressional study found that many of the programs provide false and misleading information to students, and some rely on gender-based stereotypes for their messaging.
As many as 17 states are leading the reality-driven revolt to keep our kids safe, refusing millions of dollars worth of "Just Say No" grants. And on April 23, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) held a hearing on federally-funded sex education programs. Testimony and data discrediting abstinence-only education was overwhelming. Waxman referred to a 2007 "longitudinal, randomized, controlled study of four federally-funded programs" that found "abstinence-only programs had no impact on whether or not participants abstained from sex. They had no impact on the age when teens started having sex. They had no impact on the number of partners. And they had no impact on rates of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease."
Of course we want our kids to wait. Comprehensive sex education does, in fact, encourage teens to abstain from sex until they are mature and ready. Yet it acknowledges that, with or without adult approval, sex is happening and there are consequences to ignorance.
Research, not religion, should guide us when it comes to our children's health. Education on human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and contraception can only contribute to kids making the right decisions about their bodies or at the very least informed decisions without lifelong physical and psychological consequences.
During the discussion at a Chicago teen forum called Let's Talk About Sex, a young man offered a novel suggestion: if you don't have a condom, you can always use aluminum foil. I can't quite make my mind go there. This sparked a debate among the 14 to 19-year-old audience about the efficacy of homemade plastic bag condoms, having sex while standing up (to prevent pregnancy, of course), and bathing after sex to rid oneself of potentially harmful sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
While our president and his allies believe that talking to teenagers about sex is equivalent to putting them in a room together, naked, with instructions to try out their parts – we are learning firsthand the dangers of abstinence-only education. Yes, having teen sex talks can be awkward for both parents and educators alike; but the alternative is worse. More teens are having sex without knowing the facts or the consequences, and abstinence-only funding is to blame.
Still, "Just say NO" and "condoms don't work" funding continues. We are reminded of its ineffectiveness in epidemic proportions: a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study released in March indicates one out of every four teenage girls – that's 3.2 million young women – "has at least one of the most common sexually transmitted infections." For African-American girls, the infection rate was double – i.e. half of those between the ages of 14-19 were infected. Common STIs reported in the study included: human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, herpes simplex virus and trichomoniasis.
Higher susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, possible sterilization, and potentially terminal cervical cancer are just a few of the consequences of untreated STIs. It's appalling that before teens are equipped to make responsible decisions about sex, their entire sexual futures could be irreversibly compromised.
From 2000 to 2007, funding for abstinence-only education rose by $116 million dollars, totaling more than $1.3 billion over the last decade. In the last year alone, $176 million was allocated for programs that preach abstention from sex until marriage as the only viable option for adolescents and actually prohibit teaching about condoms or other contraceptives -- other than to discuss failure rates. And a Congressional study found that many of the programs provide false and misleading information to students, and some rely on gender-based stereotypes for their messaging.
As many as 17 states are leading the reality-driven revolt to keep our kids safe, refusing millions of dollars worth of "Just Say No" grants. And on April 23, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) held a hearing on federally-funded sex education programs. Testimony and data discrediting abstinence-only education was overwhelming. Waxman referred to a 2007 "longitudinal, randomized, controlled study of four federally-funded programs" that found "abstinence-only programs had no impact on whether or not participants abstained from sex. They had no impact on the age when teens started having sex. They had no impact on the number of partners. And they had no impact on rates of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease."
Of course we want our kids to wait. Comprehensive sex education does, in fact, encourage teens to abstain from sex until they are mature and ready. Yet it acknowledges that, with or without adult approval, sex is happening and there are consequences to ignorance.
Research, not religion, should guide us when it comes to our children's health. Education on human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and contraception can only contribute to kids making the right decisions about their bodies or at the very least informed decisions without lifelong physical and psychological consequences.
Reproductive rights, in review
1965 — Griswold v. ConnecticutThe Supreme Court nullified a Connecticut statute prohibiting the use of birth control by married persons, arguing that the right to marital privacy protects the access of married couples to contraceptives.
1972 — Eisenstadt v. BairdThe Court struck down a law prohibiting the distribution of birth control to unmarried adults.
1973 — Roe v. WadeBy a vote of 7-2, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a Texas law prohibiting abortions not necessary to save the woman's life, extending the fundamental right to privacy to a woman's decision to choose abortion.
1976 — Planned Parenthood of Central Missouri v. DanforthThe Court ruled against a Missouri statute that would force a married woman to obtain her husband's approval before getting an abortion and ruled against a written parental consent requirement for minors.
THE BACKLASH & THE RESPONSE:
1977 — Maher v. RoeThe Supreme Court upheld a Connecticut ban on public funding for abortions, with the exception of abortions that were "medically necessary."
1980 — Harris v. McRaeThe Supreme Court upheld the Hyde amendment, which prohibits the federal Medicaid funding of abortions not necessary to preserve the woman's life.
1989 — Webster v. Reproductive Health ServicesThe court upheld a Missouri law prohibiting the use of public employees and public facilities for the purpose of performing abortions that were not medically necessary.
1992 — Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. CaseyThe Supreme Court, while refusing to overturn Roe, nevertheless upheld a laundry list of abortion restrictions (parental consent, anti-abortion counseling, and a waiting period) only invalidating spousal notification.
1994 — Congress enacts the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
1994 — NOW v. ScheidlerThe Supreme Court affirmed NOW's right to use federal anti-racketeering laws against anti-abortion terrorists who organize others to use fear, force and violence to shut down women's health clinics where abortions are performed. The Court is now reviewing the nationwide injunction we won in 1999, which was upheld by the 4th Circuit.
2000 — The FDA approves mifepristone (RU-486), following a 16-year struggle by reproductive rights activists to have the safe and effective abortion drug approved. Opponents made repeated efforts to prevent approval and distribution of mifepristone and are continuing efforts through a petition to the FDA to have the drug withdrawn.
2001 — The Bush administration reinstates the global "gag" rule that was first adopted in 1984 by the Reagan administration and later lifted when President Clinton came into office. The "gag" rule is an anti-free speech and anti-democratic policy which has caused 430 organizations in 50 countries to stop performing abortions or speaking about abortion laws in order to qualify for U.S. funding. Over 80,000 women around the world die each year from unsafe and illegal abortions and hundreds of thousands suffer complications from unsafe abortions.
2002 — The Bush administration tries to install a right wing, religious ideologue, who has led efforts to get the FDA to reverse approval of mifepristone, as head of the FDA's Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee.
2003 — Congress passes and Bush signs the so-called "Partial Birth" Abortion Ban—the first federal ban on an abortion procedure since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. Bush signs the bill, which does not include an exception to preserve a woman's health, while surrounded by a group of smiling men.
2004 — The House of Representatives passes the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003, which would for the first time establish in federal law a fetus as a legal "person," with individual rights separate from those of the pregnant woman.
1972 — Eisenstadt v. BairdThe Court struck down a law prohibiting the distribution of birth control to unmarried adults.
1973 — Roe v. WadeBy a vote of 7-2, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a Texas law prohibiting abortions not necessary to save the woman's life, extending the fundamental right to privacy to a woman's decision to choose abortion.
1976 — Planned Parenthood of Central Missouri v. DanforthThe Court ruled against a Missouri statute that would force a married woman to obtain her husband's approval before getting an abortion and ruled against a written parental consent requirement for minors.
THE BACKLASH & THE RESPONSE:
1977 — Maher v. RoeThe Supreme Court upheld a Connecticut ban on public funding for abortions, with the exception of abortions that were "medically necessary."
1980 — Harris v. McRaeThe Supreme Court upheld the Hyde amendment, which prohibits the federal Medicaid funding of abortions not necessary to preserve the woman's life.
1989 — Webster v. Reproductive Health ServicesThe court upheld a Missouri law prohibiting the use of public employees and public facilities for the purpose of performing abortions that were not medically necessary.
1992 — Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. CaseyThe Supreme Court, while refusing to overturn Roe, nevertheless upheld a laundry list of abortion restrictions (parental consent, anti-abortion counseling, and a waiting period) only invalidating spousal notification.
1994 — Congress enacts the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
1994 — NOW v. ScheidlerThe Supreme Court affirmed NOW's right to use federal anti-racketeering laws against anti-abortion terrorists who organize others to use fear, force and violence to shut down women's health clinics where abortions are performed. The Court is now reviewing the nationwide injunction we won in 1999, which was upheld by the 4th Circuit.
2000 — The FDA approves mifepristone (RU-486), following a 16-year struggle by reproductive rights activists to have the safe and effective abortion drug approved. Opponents made repeated efforts to prevent approval and distribution of mifepristone and are continuing efforts through a petition to the FDA to have the drug withdrawn.
2001 — The Bush administration reinstates the global "gag" rule that was first adopted in 1984 by the Reagan administration and later lifted when President Clinton came into office. The "gag" rule is an anti-free speech and anti-democratic policy which has caused 430 organizations in 50 countries to stop performing abortions or speaking about abortion laws in order to qualify for U.S. funding. Over 80,000 women around the world die each year from unsafe and illegal abortions and hundreds of thousands suffer complications from unsafe abortions.
2002 — The Bush administration tries to install a right wing, religious ideologue, who has led efforts to get the FDA to reverse approval of mifepristone, as head of the FDA's Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee.
2003 — Congress passes and Bush signs the so-called "Partial Birth" Abortion Ban—the first federal ban on an abortion procedure since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. Bush signs the bill, which does not include an exception to preserve a woman's health, while surrounded by a group of smiling men.
2004 — The House of Representatives passes the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003, which would for the first time establish in federal law a fetus as a legal "person," with individual rights separate from those of the pregnant woman.
A New Front on the war on Women's Rights
By Susan Stanton, NOW Public Policy Intern
NOW staff photo by Lisa Bennett
Every January 22, NOW leaders and activists honor the day the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in the United States. Anti-reproductive freedom forces are attempting to challenge Roe by passing state ballot initiatives that would make abortion illegal in most cases in those states. Pictured: Kristen Moorhead (left), Mari Horike.
This November, women's reproductive rights will be put before the voters in at least five states. Heavily funded by right-wing religious and political extremists, the effort is part of a strategy they hope will turn out voters to elect like-minded politicians while placing new limits on women's access to reproductive health care.
Proponents of two of the most extreme measures, in Georgia and Missouri, failed to meet state requirements. But ballot initiatives remain in play in South Dakota, California, Oregon, Montana and Colorado.
Ballot Initiatives Often Mislead
In some states, individuals and groups frustrated with the ordinary legislative process can submit policy positions for a popular vote, often by gathering a set number of signatures on petitions. Those petitions are often given deliberately confusing or outright misleading titles and worded in ways intended to confuse the public (see the infuriatingly titled Colorado Equal Rights Amendment below). Voters whose attention is focused on a high-profile presidential or senatorial race may, relying on the title alone, inadvertently vote for a ballot proposition in direct opposition to their beliefs. Even if a ballot measure must later be voted on by the state legislature, a positive popular vote creates a powerful, though sometimes unjustified, presumption that it represents "the will of the people."
South Dakota, Once Again
In 2006, after an intense campaign led by a coalition which included many NOW activists, South Dakota voters rejected an initiative which would ban all abortions, except to save the life of the woman. The group Vote Yes For Life has filed a new initiative for the 2008 ballot which adds exceptions for rape, incest and threat to the health of the pregnant woman, though those exceptions will be difficult to use. Reportedly double the number of required signatures were gathered and are currently in the verification process.
While the 2006 measure was rejected by 56 percent of the voters, this new initiative is even more dangerous and we must oppose it with a strong voter education and organizing campaign.
Third Round in California
In a wear-them-down strategy, abortion opponents have put parental notification on the California ballot this year for the third time. As recently as 2006, California NOW activists were leading organizers in the defeat of a similar initiative, the new "Waiting Period and Parental Notification Initiative" would prohibit abortion for unemancipated minors until 48 hours after the physician notifies the minor's parent, legal guardian or, if parental abuse has been reported, an alternative adult family member.
Oregon Would Make Abortion Murder
An initiative in Oregon would prohibit "the use of public or private funds to facilitate the killing of any human being from the moment of conception, wholly or partially within the womb or after delivery, and the acceptance of funds for performing such a procedure." Violations would be punishable as murder or accessory to murder. The initiative specifically exempts the state's execution of someone convicted by a jury of a capital offense. An Oregon parental notification ballot initiative failed in 2006. Supporters of the 2008 initiative have until July 3 to collect sufficient signatures.
Equal Rights for Fertilized Eggs
In Colorado, the misleadingly-named "Colorado Equal Rights Amendment," would add to the state constitution a definition of "person" as "any human being from the moment of fertilization." Colorado for Equal Rights has until May 13 to collect signatures. Life for Montana is collecting signatures to amend the Montana constitution's Declaration of Rights to provide a "right to life" and to extend that right to the moment of fertilization. They have until June 20 to collect the required signatures. The Georgia legislature attempted to place a similar measure, as a constitutional amendment, on that state's November ballot. Fortunately, saner heads prevailed, and the amendment failed to reach the required two-thirds majority in either the state House or Senate.
Such wording is particularly dangerous as it could ban some of the most popular and effective forms of contraception, including emergency contraception, the IUD, and some forms of the birth control pill. For an analysis of the tactics and intent behind these "fetal personhood" efforts, read "Viewpoint: Not Just Semantics".
Missouri Act Withdrawn
In Missouri, proponents of the cynically-titled ballot measure, the "Prevention of Coerced and Unsafe Abortion Act" withdrew their submission when it became clear that they would fall short of the requisite number of signatures by May 4. While it appeared to leave the door open for some abortions, this law would be so intrusive and restrictive that no doctor would be likely to perform abortions in Missouri if it passed.
A Coordinated Campaign
All of these initiatives work to ban abortions by establishing the legal definition that fertilized eggs are people -- fully endowed with all the rights of a born human being. The driving force behind some of these ballot measures is the Thomas More Law Center, a right-wing advocacy organization based in Michigan, which seeks court cases through which the center can fight to protect "Christian family values."
NOW staff photo by Lisa Bennett
Every January 22, NOW leaders and activists honor the day the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in the United States. Anti-reproductive freedom forces are attempting to challenge Roe by passing state ballot initiatives that would make abortion illegal in most cases in those states. Pictured: Kristen Moorhead (left), Mari Horike.
This November, women's reproductive rights will be put before the voters in at least five states. Heavily funded by right-wing religious and political extremists, the effort is part of a strategy they hope will turn out voters to elect like-minded politicians while placing new limits on women's access to reproductive health care.
Proponents of two of the most extreme measures, in Georgia and Missouri, failed to meet state requirements. But ballot initiatives remain in play in South Dakota, California, Oregon, Montana and Colorado.
Ballot Initiatives Often Mislead
In some states, individuals and groups frustrated with the ordinary legislative process can submit policy positions for a popular vote, often by gathering a set number of signatures on petitions. Those petitions are often given deliberately confusing or outright misleading titles and worded in ways intended to confuse the public (see the infuriatingly titled Colorado Equal Rights Amendment below). Voters whose attention is focused on a high-profile presidential or senatorial race may, relying on the title alone, inadvertently vote for a ballot proposition in direct opposition to their beliefs. Even if a ballot measure must later be voted on by the state legislature, a positive popular vote creates a powerful, though sometimes unjustified, presumption that it represents "the will of the people."
South Dakota, Once Again
In 2006, after an intense campaign led by a coalition which included many NOW activists, South Dakota voters rejected an initiative which would ban all abortions, except to save the life of the woman. The group Vote Yes For Life has filed a new initiative for the 2008 ballot which adds exceptions for rape, incest and threat to the health of the pregnant woman, though those exceptions will be difficult to use. Reportedly double the number of required signatures were gathered and are currently in the verification process.
While the 2006 measure was rejected by 56 percent of the voters, this new initiative is even more dangerous and we must oppose it with a strong voter education and organizing campaign.
Third Round in California
In a wear-them-down strategy, abortion opponents have put parental notification on the California ballot this year for the third time. As recently as 2006, California NOW activists were leading organizers in the defeat of a similar initiative, the new "Waiting Period and Parental Notification Initiative" would prohibit abortion for unemancipated minors until 48 hours after the physician notifies the minor's parent, legal guardian or, if parental abuse has been reported, an alternative adult family member.
Oregon Would Make Abortion Murder
An initiative in Oregon would prohibit "the use of public or private funds to facilitate the killing of any human being from the moment of conception, wholly or partially within the womb or after delivery, and the acceptance of funds for performing such a procedure." Violations would be punishable as murder or accessory to murder. The initiative specifically exempts the state's execution of someone convicted by a jury of a capital offense. An Oregon parental notification ballot initiative failed in 2006. Supporters of the 2008 initiative have until July 3 to collect sufficient signatures.
Equal Rights for Fertilized Eggs
In Colorado, the misleadingly-named "Colorado Equal Rights Amendment," would add to the state constitution a definition of "person" as "any human being from the moment of fertilization." Colorado for Equal Rights has until May 13 to collect signatures. Life for Montana is collecting signatures to amend the Montana constitution's Declaration of Rights to provide a "right to life" and to extend that right to the moment of fertilization. They have until June 20 to collect the required signatures. The Georgia legislature attempted to place a similar measure, as a constitutional amendment, on that state's November ballot. Fortunately, saner heads prevailed, and the amendment failed to reach the required two-thirds majority in either the state House or Senate.
Such wording is particularly dangerous as it could ban some of the most popular and effective forms of contraception, including emergency contraception, the IUD, and some forms of the birth control pill. For an analysis of the tactics and intent behind these "fetal personhood" efforts, read "Viewpoint: Not Just Semantics".
Missouri Act Withdrawn
In Missouri, proponents of the cynically-titled ballot measure, the "Prevention of Coerced and Unsafe Abortion Act" withdrew their submission when it became clear that they would fall short of the requisite number of signatures by May 4. While it appeared to leave the door open for some abortions, this law would be so intrusive and restrictive that no doctor would be likely to perform abortions in Missouri if it passed.
A Coordinated Campaign
All of these initiatives work to ban abortions by establishing the legal definition that fertilized eggs are people -- fully endowed with all the rights of a born human being. The driving force behind some of these ballot measures is the Thomas More Law Center, a right-wing advocacy organization based in Michigan, which seeks court cases through which the center can fight to protect "Christian family values."
The State of Sub-Saharan Africa
The State of the “Sub-Saharan Africa” – Growth Outlook
According to the 2008 World Economic Outlook1 released by the International Monetary Fund this past April, the GDP for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which includes the Great Lakes, Southern Africa, the Horn of Africa, South Africa, the West and Central Africa is projected to be 6.8 per cent for 2008 compared to 3.4 per cent in 2005 2. Some of the countries leading the pact are Angola with 16 per cent, Nigeria 9.1 per cent, the Democratic Republic of Congo 8.8 per cent and Ethiopia 8.4 percent.
The implementation of economic reforms and the strengthening of financial conditions in this region have seen foreign direct investment (FDI), useful indicators of economic health and investments appeal, remaining relatively strong since 20062. In 2007, the rise of investments for Africa accounted more than $37 billions in both FDI and through Mergers and Acquisitions. This inflow of foreign direct investment is geographical and selective, largely concentrated in the petroleum and manufacturing sectors. The global credit market crunch will impact the inflows of FDI to the region for the rest of the year if conditions remain unchanged.
An interesting initiative announced by the World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick known as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Plus Plus (EITI++)3 last April, would help developing countries manage and transform their natural resource wealth into long-term economic growth that spreads the benefits more fairly among their people. With commodity price being at historic highs, many Sub-Saharan Africa nations must consider taking this opportunity to strengthen their balance sheet.
Although the region has seen some stability in its GDP since 20061, political and security risks remain. The insecurity of the Democratic Republic of Congo in its eastern region, or the political mayhem in Kenya could have tremendous impact in the Great Lakes region and could leads to its downfall.
The region outlook is on a positive trend as long as these countries continue to implement and strengthen sound macroeconomic policy framework, take advantages of the many opportunities offered by globalization, continue investing in infrastructures, institutions and human resources, diversify their economy and technology in order to remain on this up trend of growth and competitiveness in this global market.
By and large, Africa has come a long way and many challenges remain ahead. Overcoming them will require persistence, patience and pride of ownership of development.
References used:
1 April 2008 IMF – World Economic Outlook
2 United Nations Conference On Trade and Development - 2007 Economic Development In Africa
3 WorldBank.Org
4 Congo Magazine
According to the 2008 World Economic Outlook1 released by the International Monetary Fund this past April, the GDP for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which includes the Great Lakes, Southern Africa, the Horn of Africa, South Africa, the West and Central Africa is projected to be 6.8 per cent for 2008 compared to 3.4 per cent in 2005 2. Some of the countries leading the pact are Angola with 16 per cent, Nigeria 9.1 per cent, the Democratic Republic of Congo 8.8 per cent and Ethiopia 8.4 percent.
The implementation of economic reforms and the strengthening of financial conditions in this region have seen foreign direct investment (FDI), useful indicators of economic health and investments appeal, remaining relatively strong since 20062. In 2007, the rise of investments for Africa accounted more than $37 billions in both FDI and through Mergers and Acquisitions. This inflow of foreign direct investment is geographical and selective, largely concentrated in the petroleum and manufacturing sectors. The global credit market crunch will impact the inflows of FDI to the region for the rest of the year if conditions remain unchanged.
An interesting initiative announced by the World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick known as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Plus Plus (EITI++)3 last April, would help developing countries manage and transform their natural resource wealth into long-term economic growth that spreads the benefits more fairly among their people. With commodity price being at historic highs, many Sub-Saharan Africa nations must consider taking this opportunity to strengthen their balance sheet.
Although the region has seen some stability in its GDP since 20061, political and security risks remain. The insecurity of the Democratic Republic of Congo in its eastern region, or the political mayhem in Kenya could have tremendous impact in the Great Lakes region and could leads to its downfall.
The region outlook is on a positive trend as long as these countries continue to implement and strengthen sound macroeconomic policy framework, take advantages of the many opportunities offered by globalization, continue investing in infrastructures, institutions and human resources, diversify their economy and technology in order to remain on this up trend of growth and competitiveness in this global market.
By and large, Africa has come a long way and many challenges remain ahead. Overcoming them will require persistence, patience and pride of ownership of development.
References used:
1 April 2008 IMF – World Economic Outlook
2 United Nations Conference On Trade and Development - 2007 Economic Development In Africa
3 WorldBank.Org
4 Congo Magazine
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The power of a woman
The power of a woman lies in her ability to rationalize, debate, forgive and move on to the heart of the matter.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Friendship...
Friendship is not something you pick up when it is new and keep around as long as it is easy !!!
Friendship is: Raw and uninhibited. Earthy and based in reality.
When all else fails your friends keep you safe....Safe from yourself and even from them, at times.
In the darkest of hours they love you back to yourself. They love you in spite of yourself...
More precious than gold, more trustworthy than family.
They wrap you in a blanket of balance when the world is driving you to the brink of insanity.
They can manage to drive you crazy, just when you believe yourself sane.
Thank you for my laughter when the jokes of the world are not really funny and tend to hurt...
Thank you for absorbing the tears, when the oceans I have cried seem to be without shores.
Thank you for allowing me to "Just BE'" without expectation, judgement or condemnation.
Thank you for the clarity in the midst of life's fog. You are Safe Harbor....
Friendship is: Raw and uninhibited. Earthy and based in reality.
When all else fails your friends keep you safe....Safe from yourself and even from them, at times.
In the darkest of hours they love you back to yourself. They love you in spite of yourself...
More precious than gold, more trustworthy than family.
They wrap you in a blanket of balance when the world is driving you to the brink of insanity.
They can manage to drive you crazy, just when you believe yourself sane.
Thank you for my laughter when the jokes of the world are not really funny and tend to hurt...
Thank you for absorbing the tears, when the oceans I have cried seem to be without shores.
Thank you for allowing me to "Just BE'" without expectation, judgement or condemnation.
Thank you for the clarity in the midst of life's fog. You are Safe Harbor....
Thursday, July 10, 2008
My Greatest Joy
(In a post dated August 25th 2007)
Greetings, Hotep and Shalom,
I just wanted to begin the next phase of my life by sharing, with those of you whom have been instrumental and whom have borne witness to my families evolution. Yes, This includes you.
Yesterday, on August 24th, 2007, my eldest son, Ory, turned the first, of many, corners in his life, where-by redefining my life and role as mother and his role as my son. He turned 13.... Now, I know some of you would not consider that to be monumental by any standard, children grow up every day... But, Ory, my eldest son, my pride and my reason for wanting to be a better person, has managed in 13 short years to define all things that I know as good and just in a person.
He has been there, with my family (my self and his 2 brothers, respectfully) through the best and the worst the ups and the downs. He has experienced things that have truly defined his character, for the better... He has, to the best of his ability, managed to understand and apply that which he has, so profoundly, observed and learned, to the matters that are based in right and wrong. His level of foresight and kindness are unmatched, as far as I know, by any one in his age group ( I dare say adults too ). He is the best of sons and the best of me...
At one point I would have argued that a woman could only raise a son to a certain point in his life, but then would need a male, a man, to guide him the rest of the way.... my, my my, my, my... How times have changed....That thought is no longer relevant for my family and I am so grateful to have to opportunity to raise not only Ory but my entire family, single handedly and be able to watch the fruits of my loins, my labor and sacrifice, evolve right before my eyes, into the most wonderful people I know.
As you may know, I have never set up expectations of my sons... My only want for them is to be upstanding men capable of living by principal. With that, every good thing will follow. Ory is proving, every day, that the path is not only noble but possible and productive. To say I am overwhelmed with sentiment and love for the boy is an understatement, to say I am proud of him is an understatement. What I will say is, I respect him and his visions... My efforts, every day are to stay forever worthy of being his mom.
I believed, I had fallen short, on occasion, where my parenting is concerned (I learned, that was just the learning curve of life), but I look at Ory and listen to him and I know I am doing more than just one thing right and that, for as good as a child as he is, I have never fallen short... I know I am doing HIM right.
If someone had told me, 13 years ago, just how profoundly a single person could change your life, right down to how you breath and how your heart beats.... well, I don think I would have believed them. To have the honor of being MOM... WOW, That is the most sincerely humbling experience I could have.
I say all this to you because I wanted to share, with you, My Blessing.
Greetings, Hotep and Shalom,
I just wanted to begin the next phase of my life by sharing, with those of you whom have been instrumental and whom have borne witness to my families evolution. Yes, This includes you.
Yesterday, on August 24th, 2007, my eldest son, Ory, turned the first, of many, corners in his life, where-by redefining my life and role as mother and his role as my son. He turned 13.... Now, I know some of you would not consider that to be monumental by any standard, children grow up every day... But, Ory, my eldest son, my pride and my reason for wanting to be a better person, has managed in 13 short years to define all things that I know as good and just in a person.
He has been there, with my family (my self and his 2 brothers, respectfully) through the best and the worst the ups and the downs. He has experienced things that have truly defined his character, for the better... He has, to the best of his ability, managed to understand and apply that which he has, so profoundly, observed and learned, to the matters that are based in right and wrong. His level of foresight and kindness are unmatched, as far as I know, by any one in his age group ( I dare say adults too ). He is the best of sons and the best of me...
At one point I would have argued that a woman could only raise a son to a certain point in his life, but then would need a male, a man, to guide him the rest of the way.... my, my my, my, my... How times have changed....That thought is no longer relevant for my family and I am so grateful to have to opportunity to raise not only Ory but my entire family, single handedly and be able to watch the fruits of my loins, my labor and sacrifice, evolve right before my eyes, into the most wonderful people I know.
As you may know, I have never set up expectations of my sons... My only want for them is to be upstanding men capable of living by principal. With that, every good thing will follow. Ory is proving, every day, that the path is not only noble but possible and productive. To say I am overwhelmed with sentiment and love for the boy is an understatement, to say I am proud of him is an understatement. What I will say is, I respect him and his visions... My efforts, every day are to stay forever worthy of being his mom.
I believed, I had fallen short, on occasion, where my parenting is concerned (I learned, that was just the learning curve of life), but I look at Ory and listen to him and I know I am doing more than just one thing right and that, for as good as a child as he is, I have never fallen short... I know I am doing HIM right.
If someone had told me, 13 years ago, just how profoundly a single person could change your life, right down to how you breath and how your heart beats.... well, I don think I would have believed them. To have the honor of being MOM... WOW, That is the most sincerely humbling experience I could have.
I say all this to you because I wanted to share, with you, My Blessing.
What Every Woman Should Have
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a feeling of control over her destiny..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..... how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... where to go..... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming Inn in the woods.... when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a feeling of control over her destiny..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..... how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... where to go..... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming Inn in the woods.... when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year...
Seranade
I wrote this one for LOVE'S sake...
Seduce me in the language of your father and I will plant it's seed in the fertile soil of my life
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother and I will water it with the tears of my love
Baptize me in the wisdom of your culture and I will worship every day, in its grace
Spill your inhibitions into my space and I will drown them, evaporating them away
Seduce me in the language of your father
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother
Teach me to walk the path of your ancestors and I will etch your footprints on the road of destany
Give me wings and I will take flight over the land of your home
Light the darkend corridores of my soul and its fire will kindle and burn brighter than the stars that guides you
Sing for me your song and I will dance the dance of the ages
Seduce me in the language of your father
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother
Let me harness the wind and I will speak to you through the trees
Quench me in the rains of Spring and I will submit to the anointing of your Sprit
Instruct me as to sew your fruit and in our harvest there will be no famine
embrace me and I will linger in your midst
Seduce me in the language of your father
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother
Seduce me in the language of your father
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother
Seduce me in the language of your father and I will plant it's seed in the fertile soil of my life
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother and I will water it with the tears of my love
Baptize me in the wisdom of your culture and I will worship every day, in its grace
Spill your inhibitions into my space and I will drown them, evaporating them away
Seduce me in the language of your father
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother
Teach me to walk the path of your ancestors and I will etch your footprints on the road of destany
Give me wings and I will take flight over the land of your home
Light the darkend corridores of my soul and its fire will kindle and burn brighter than the stars that guides you
Sing for me your song and I will dance the dance of the ages
Seduce me in the language of your father
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother
Let me harness the wind and I will speak to you through the trees
Quench me in the rains of Spring and I will submit to the anointing of your Sprit
Instruct me as to sew your fruit and in our harvest there will be no famine
embrace me and I will linger in your midst
Seduce me in the language of your father
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother
Seduce me in the language of your father
Seranade me in the tounge of your mother
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Just a thought
Has it ever occured to anyone (other than myself) that maybe not every country is meant to be a democracy? That every culture may not need to be comptely destroyed for the sake of someone elses version of morality, religion and ethics...?
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
When are, as women, going to reclaim and controle our own sexual and reproductive identies??????
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice that started in Africa approximately 2000 years ago. It is primarily a cultural practice, not a religious practice. But some religions do include FGM as part of their practices. This practice is so well ingrained into these cultures, it defines members of these cultures. In order to eliminate the practice one must eliminate the cultural belief that a girl will not become a women without this procedure.
The age the procedure is carried out varies from just after birth to some time during the first pregnancy, but most cases occur between the ages of four and eight. Most times this procedure is done with out the care of medically trained people, due to poverty and lack of medical facilities. The use of anesthesia is rare. The girl is held down by older women to prevent the girl from moving around. The instruments used by the mid-wife will vary and could include any of the following items; broken glass, a tin lid, razor blades, knives, scissors or any other sharp object. These items usually are not sterilized before or after usage. Once the genital area for removal is gone, the child is stitched up and her legs are bound for up to 40 days.
This procedure can cause various side effects on the girls which can include death. Some of the results of this procedure are serious infections, HIV, abscesses and small benign tumors, hemorrhages, shock, clitoral cysts. The long term effects may also include kidney stones, sterility, sexual dysfunction, depression, various urinary tract infections, various gynecological and obstetric problems.
In order to have sexual intercourse the women have to be opened up in some fashion and in some cases cutting is necessary. After child birth some women are re-infibulated to make them (tight) for their husbands.
In an FGM society, a girl can not be considered to be an adult until she has undergone this procedure. As well as in most cultures a women can not marry with out FGM. The type of procedure used will vary with certain conditions and these conditions could include the females ethic group, the country they live in, rural or urban areas, as well as their socioeconomic provenance.
NOW, Here is where logic and reson have been abandoned........
In most FGM societies one important belief is that this procedure will reduce a women's desire for sex and in doing so will reduce the chance of sex outside the marriage. This is vital to this society as her honor for the family is depended on her not to be opened up prior to marriage.
Some view the clitoris and the labia as male parts on a female body, thus removal of these parts enhances the femininity of the girl.
It is also believed that unless a female has undergone this procedure she is unclean and will not be allowed to handle food or water.
Some groups believe that if the clitoris touches a man's penis the man will die. As well as the belief that if a baby's head touches the clitoris that the baby will die or the breast milk will be poisonous.
The belief that an unmutilated female can not conceive, therefore the female should be militated in order to become fertile.
Bad genital odors can only be eliminated by removing the clitoris and labia minora.
Prevents vaginal cancer.
An unmodified clitoris can lead to masturbation or lesbianism.
Prevents nervousness from developing in girls and women.
Prevents the face from turning yellow.
Makes a women's face more beautiful. (In countries where Muslim's practices FGM, they can justify it, in the words of the Prophet Mohammed, in these two controversial sayings that are found in the Sunnah (words and actions of Mohammed)
A discussion was recorded between Mohammed and Um Habibah (or Um'Alyyah), a women performed infibulation on slaves. She said that she would continue the procedure "unless it is forbidden and you order me to stop doing it". He replied (according to one translation) "Yes it is allowed. Come closer so I can teach you: if you cut, do not over do it, because it brings more radiance to the face and it is more pleasant for the husband."
Mohammed is recorded as speaking of the Sunna circumcision to Ansar's wives saying: "Cutting slightly with out exaggeration, because it is more pleasant for your husbands."PLEASE NOTE: These passages are regarded to have little credibility or authenticity with in the Muslim religion and is contradiction in the Qur'an: )
Older men may not be able to match their wives sex drive.
Intact clitoris will generate sexual arousal and in women if repressed can cause nervousness.
FYI~ FGM has been outlawed in a number of African Countries, however, the laws are seldomly enforced...
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice that started in Africa approximately 2000 years ago. It is primarily a cultural practice, not a religious practice. But some religions do include FGM as part of their practices. This practice is so well ingrained into these cultures, it defines members of these cultures. In order to eliminate the practice one must eliminate the cultural belief that a girl will not become a women without this procedure.
The age the procedure is carried out varies from just after birth to some time during the first pregnancy, but most cases occur between the ages of four and eight. Most times this procedure is done with out the care of medically trained people, due to poverty and lack of medical facilities. The use of anesthesia is rare. The girl is held down by older women to prevent the girl from moving around. The instruments used by the mid-wife will vary and could include any of the following items; broken glass, a tin lid, razor blades, knives, scissors or any other sharp object. These items usually are not sterilized before or after usage. Once the genital area for removal is gone, the child is stitched up and her legs are bound for up to 40 days.
This procedure can cause various side effects on the girls which can include death. Some of the results of this procedure are serious infections, HIV, abscesses and small benign tumors, hemorrhages, shock, clitoral cysts. The long term effects may also include kidney stones, sterility, sexual dysfunction, depression, various urinary tract infections, various gynecological and obstetric problems.
In order to have sexual intercourse the women have to be opened up in some fashion and in some cases cutting is necessary. After child birth some women are re-infibulated to make them (tight) for their husbands.
In an FGM society, a girl can not be considered to be an adult until she has undergone this procedure. As well as in most cultures a women can not marry with out FGM. The type of procedure used will vary with certain conditions and these conditions could include the females ethic group, the country they live in, rural or urban areas, as well as their socioeconomic provenance.
NOW, Here is where logic and reson have been abandoned........
In most FGM societies one important belief is that this procedure will reduce a women's desire for sex and in doing so will reduce the chance of sex outside the marriage. This is vital to this society as her honor for the family is depended on her not to be opened up prior to marriage.
Some view the clitoris and the labia as male parts on a female body, thus removal of these parts enhances the femininity of the girl.
It is also believed that unless a female has undergone this procedure she is unclean and will not be allowed to handle food or water.
Some groups believe that if the clitoris touches a man's penis the man will die. As well as the belief that if a baby's head touches the clitoris that the baby will die or the breast milk will be poisonous.
The belief that an unmutilated female can not conceive, therefore the female should be militated in order to become fertile.
Bad genital odors can only be eliminated by removing the clitoris and labia minora.
Prevents vaginal cancer.
An unmodified clitoris can lead to masturbation or lesbianism.
Prevents nervousness from developing in girls and women.
Prevents the face from turning yellow.
Makes a women's face more beautiful. (In countries where Muslim's practices FGM, they can justify it, in the words of the Prophet Mohammed, in these two controversial sayings that are found in the Sunnah (words and actions of Mohammed)
A discussion was recorded between Mohammed and Um Habibah (or Um'Alyyah), a women performed infibulation on slaves. She said that she would continue the procedure "unless it is forbidden and you order me to stop doing it". He replied (according to one translation) "Yes it is allowed. Come closer so I can teach you: if you cut, do not over do it, because it brings more radiance to the face and it is more pleasant for the husband."
Mohammed is recorded as speaking of the Sunna circumcision to Ansar's wives saying: "Cutting slightly with out exaggeration, because it is more pleasant for your husbands."PLEASE NOTE: These passages are regarded to have little credibility or authenticity with in the Muslim religion and is contradiction in the Qur'an: )
Older men may not be able to match their wives sex drive.
Intact clitoris will generate sexual arousal and in women if repressed can cause nervousness.
FYI~ FGM has been outlawed in a number of African Countries, however, the laws are seldomly enforced...
Ironing.... Cameroon
Geraldine Sirri was only nine years old when her mother started daily massaging her pre-pubescent breasts with a blazing hot stone to keep them flat -- and keep men's eyes and hands off her daughter. One-quarter of all Cameroonian women are said to have been victims of this painful "breast-ironing", as it is known.But ironically, the tradition was a mystery to many in the West African nation until a recent campaign to stop the potentially dangerous practice, aimed at delaying a young girl's natural development.Geraldine, now 19, will never forget those "very painful massages" her worried and otherwise well-intentioned mother administered with a "pestle heated on a fire", she says."After six days of massage with the hot pestle, she'd switch to another instrument, like a coconut shell, which would also be heated over the fire," she says."The practice involves using heated objects to massage the breasts to make them disappear," says Germaine Ngo'o, co-author of a joint Cameroon-German study on the issue.Ariane, who did not give her last name, recalls similar trauma, only that her mother's instrument was a stone dipped into scalding water and then used to "practically crush my breasts"."After that, my breasts would be wrapped with a stretchy fabric called a 'breast-band'. The aim of this practice was to keep my chest flat so I would not attract men," she says.The campaign, like the study, is a joint effort involving the Germany Agency for Technical Cooperation, an international group for sustainable development that works mainly for the German government.
The agency works with the National Network of the Associations of Aunties (Renata), one of what are said to be many home-grown women's support groups in this country of 17,3-million just south of Nigeria.The campaign's pamphlets and posters were designed to warn about the dangers of a questionable practice -- but also exposed what turned out to be a national secret."I couldn't believe that such a practice existed. I never before heard about this 'breast-ironing'," says one university professor."In my tribe, there was never any such phenomenon and even with my girlfriends, it never came up in conversation," says an equally incredulous Georgette, a restaurant manager who gave only her first name."But it nonetheless is a practice that affects one girl in four," says Ngo'o. "Twenty-four percent of all the girls in Cameroon have been subjected to this phenomenon and carry the consequences."Bessem Ebanga, executive secretary of Renata and herself a victim of breast-ironing, said the practice occurs in all the country's 10 provinces, crossing religious and ethnic bounds."Though the top prize goes to Littoral province where it affects 52% of all girls," she says. "The aim of Renata is to prevent young girls from being subjected to what we were."Unlike many African countries, Cameroon enjoys relative political stability and has a highly rated educational system and one of Africa's highest literacy rates. But on the social spectrum, teenage pregnancy is a real problem here, as elsewhere in the region."It's all because breasts are a sign of puberty and that worries parents," says Flavien Ndonko, Ngo'o's co-author. "Our study found that the practice of breast-ironing exists in practically all tribes, using objects as diverse as stones, spatulas, herbs, pestles, or heated banana peels."Beyond the uncertainty of whether it works, "the practice generally traumatises the young girl and creates other problems", says Ndonko, citing a litany of "infections, cysts and even cancer", while other victims later find they are unable to breastfeed their babies."The breast is a sign of growth and it is useless, even dangerous to attack the physical integrity of a young girl," says Ndonko.The campaign's slogan says it all: "Breasts, a gift from God. Let them develop naturally."
-- Sapa-AFP
The agency works with the National Network of the Associations of Aunties (Renata), one of what are said to be many home-grown women's support groups in this country of 17,3-million just south of Nigeria.The campaign's pamphlets and posters were designed to warn about the dangers of a questionable practice -- but also exposed what turned out to be a national secret."I couldn't believe that such a practice existed. I never before heard about this 'breast-ironing'," says one university professor."In my tribe, there was never any such phenomenon and even with my girlfriends, it never came up in conversation," says an equally incredulous Georgette, a restaurant manager who gave only her first name."But it nonetheless is a practice that affects one girl in four," says Ngo'o. "Twenty-four percent of all the girls in Cameroon have been subjected to this phenomenon and carry the consequences."Bessem Ebanga, executive secretary of Renata and herself a victim of breast-ironing, said the practice occurs in all the country's 10 provinces, crossing religious and ethnic bounds."Though the top prize goes to Littoral province where it affects 52% of all girls," she says. "The aim of Renata is to prevent young girls from being subjected to what we were."Unlike many African countries, Cameroon enjoys relative political stability and has a highly rated educational system and one of Africa's highest literacy rates. But on the social spectrum, teenage pregnancy is a real problem here, as elsewhere in the region."It's all because breasts are a sign of puberty and that worries parents," says Flavien Ndonko, Ngo'o's co-author. "Our study found that the practice of breast-ironing exists in practically all tribes, using objects as diverse as stones, spatulas, herbs, pestles, or heated banana peels."Beyond the uncertainty of whether it works, "the practice generally traumatises the young girl and creates other problems", says Ndonko, citing a litany of "infections, cysts and even cancer", while other victims later find they are unable to breastfeed their babies."The breast is a sign of growth and it is useless, even dangerous to attack the physical integrity of a young girl," says Ndonko.The campaign's slogan says it all: "Breasts, a gift from God. Let them develop naturally."
-- Sapa-AFP
Thursday, July 3, 2008
July, 4th , 1776
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
— John Hancock
New Hampshire:Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts:John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut:Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York:William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey:Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania:Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware:Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland:Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina:William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina:Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia:Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
— John Hancock
New Hampshire:Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts:John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut:Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York:William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey:Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania:Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware:Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland:Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina:William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina:Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia:Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton
Saturday, June 28, 2008
DRC Horrors... This Must End
My opinions and views are, oft-times, considered radical, however in the cases of violence against women and our daughters (children in general), I believe my views are not radical enough....
How can we, as human beings be aware of such atrocities and turn a blind eye... Not Attempt every possible thing to prevent and stop the horrors that befall our women, as a result of MENS WARS.....?
Just one Case of Millions.... (please don not think this case unique)
Lucienne M’Maroyi is a 24-year-old woman who has been separated from her husband since she was raped. She is in the Bwirhonzi group of Walungu, the mother of three daughters, the third of whom resulted from her rapes as a sex slave. She named her baby Luck because the people with whom she was taken in the bush were killed, but she was lucky not to have been killed along with them.
“My husband was on a trip to Bukavu when some Interahamwe broke into the house where I was staying with my sister-in-law at around 9 pm. It was in December 2006. They came with flashlights. I had my baby in my arms. They pulled it away from me and threw it aside. I was alone in the house. They left the kids behind, and they stayed with a neighbor. It was a blessing that they did not rape my daughters—they were so young and small, it would have been the worst tragedy for me. They pulled me and tied my arms behind my back with a rope together with my sister-in-law. They dragged us out and brought us to the home of another family where they collected other people. They also took my brother with us. Soon there were five of us. On the way they shot one elderly woman because she could not walk fast enough.
”When we got to the bush, they pulled me down to rape me in front of my brother. They gave him the flashlight to hold. As he hid his face in shame, they struck him with a gun and pulled him away to kill him.
“When they were about to kill me, one of them said I resembled his sister and that I would become his wife instead. They killed another woman. We were beaten many times. As we were swollen because of the walk and having been beaten, one of the men warmed water and gave it to us so we could massage ourselves. They sent a woman to us with food. Fortunately, to my surprise, it was my sister whom we mourned and thought had died. She had been taken at the time they killed my father. She told me she was ill and that nobody would allow her to get treatment. She was also pregnant.
“My sister-in-law was killed during a dispute between two men who wanted to have her as a wife. They decided to solve the problem by killing her.
“Another woman was impregnated. She tried to abort the baby, but she bled too much and died due to lack of access to medical treatment. I remained alone with my sister. I was also pregnant with this baby, Luck, whom I delivered in October 2007. I spent three months and a half with these people as a sex slave.
“I escaped when my elder sister was in labor and was being sent to the maternity clinic. They asked me to take her there, but took my clothes off so that I would not run away. I wore only pants. On the way, we met a government soldier whose wife gave me clothes to put on. They also made porridge for us. Unfortunately my sister died during her delivery. I kept the baby until its father came and took it to Bukavu.
“When my husband heard I was back, he said he would not remain with the Interahamwe’s wife. He stopped me from coming to his farms. I had to live at my father’s old friend’s place, where I sleep with my children on the floor in their sitting room.
How can we, as human beings be aware of such atrocities and turn a blind eye... Not Attempt every possible thing to prevent and stop the horrors that befall our women, as a result of MENS WARS.....?
Just one Case of Millions.... (please don not think this case unique)
Lucienne M’Maroyi is a 24-year-old woman who has been separated from her husband since she was raped. She is in the Bwirhonzi group of Walungu, the mother of three daughters, the third of whom resulted from her rapes as a sex slave. She named her baby Luck because the people with whom she was taken in the bush were killed, but she was lucky not to have been killed along with them.
“My husband was on a trip to Bukavu when some Interahamwe broke into the house where I was staying with my sister-in-law at around 9 pm. It was in December 2006. They came with flashlights. I had my baby in my arms. They pulled it away from me and threw it aside. I was alone in the house. They left the kids behind, and they stayed with a neighbor. It was a blessing that they did not rape my daughters—they were so young and small, it would have been the worst tragedy for me. They pulled me and tied my arms behind my back with a rope together with my sister-in-law. They dragged us out and brought us to the home of another family where they collected other people. They also took my brother with us. Soon there were five of us. On the way they shot one elderly woman because she could not walk fast enough.
”When we got to the bush, they pulled me down to rape me in front of my brother. They gave him the flashlight to hold. As he hid his face in shame, they struck him with a gun and pulled him away to kill him.
“When they were about to kill me, one of them said I resembled his sister and that I would become his wife instead. They killed another woman. We were beaten many times. As we were swollen because of the walk and having been beaten, one of the men warmed water and gave it to us so we could massage ourselves. They sent a woman to us with food. Fortunately, to my surprise, it was my sister whom we mourned and thought had died. She had been taken at the time they killed my father. She told me she was ill and that nobody would allow her to get treatment. She was also pregnant.
“My sister-in-law was killed during a dispute between two men who wanted to have her as a wife. They decided to solve the problem by killing her.
“Another woman was impregnated. She tried to abort the baby, but she bled too much and died due to lack of access to medical treatment. I remained alone with my sister. I was also pregnant with this baby, Luck, whom I delivered in October 2007. I spent three months and a half with these people as a sex slave.
“I escaped when my elder sister was in labor and was being sent to the maternity clinic. They asked me to take her there, but took my clothes off so that I would not run away. I wore only pants. On the way, we met a government soldier whose wife gave me clothes to put on. They also made porridge for us. Unfortunately my sister died during her delivery. I kept the baby until its father came and took it to Bukavu.
“When my husband heard I was back, he said he would not remain with the Interahamwe’s wife. He stopped me from coming to his farms. I had to live at my father’s old friend’s place, where I sleep with my children on the floor in their sitting room.
UN classifies rape a 'war tactic'
The UN Security Council has voted unanimously in favour of a resolution classifying rape as a weapon of war.
The document describes the deliberate use of rape as a tactic in war and a threat to international security.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said violence against women had reached "unspeakable proportions" in some societies recovering from conflict.
The UN is also setting up an inquiry to report next June on how widespread the practice is and how to tackle it.
Human rights groups hailed the resolution as historic.
'Silent war'
The BBC's Laura Trevelyan said China, Russia, Indonesia and Vietnam had all expressed reservations during the negotiations, asking whether rape was really a matter for the security council.
But the US-sponsored resolution was adopted unanimously by the 15-member council.
It's a very effective weapon, because the communities are totally destroyed
Maj Gen Patrick CammaertFormer UN peacekeeper
Raped for opposing Mugabe
It described sexual violence as "a tactic of war to humiliate, dominate, instil fear in, disperse and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or ethnic group".
The document said that the violence "can significantly exacerbate situations of armed conflict and may impede the restoration of international peace and security".
During the debate in the council, Mr Ban said: "Responding to this silent war against women and girls requires leadership at the national level."
"National authorities need to take the initiative to build comprehensive strategies while the UN needs to help build capacity and support national authorities and civil societies," he added.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the world now recognised that sexual violence profoundly affected not only the health and safety of women, but the economic and social stability of their nations.
Other speakers identified the former Yugoslavia, Sudan's Darfur region, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Liberia as regions where deliberate sexual violence had occurred on a mass scale.
Deterrent?
The former commander of the UN peacekeeping force in eastern Congo, Maj Gen Patrick Cammaert, told the BBC he had personally witnessed its impact.
A womens' campaigner on the extent of rape
"It's a very effective weapon, because the communities are totally destroyed," he said.
"You destroy communities. You punish the men, and you punish the women, doing it in front of the men."
In the Democratic Republic of Congo alone, some 40 women are raped every day, our correspondent says.
Sometimes women are even raped by peacekeepers who are supposed to be protecting them, she adds.
The question is whether those in conflict zones who use rape in war will be at all deterred by the new measures, she says.
The document describes the deliberate use of rape as a tactic in war and a threat to international security.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said violence against women had reached "unspeakable proportions" in some societies recovering from conflict.
The UN is also setting up an inquiry to report next June on how widespread the practice is and how to tackle it.
Human rights groups hailed the resolution as historic.
'Silent war'
The BBC's Laura Trevelyan said China, Russia, Indonesia and Vietnam had all expressed reservations during the negotiations, asking whether rape was really a matter for the security council.
But the US-sponsored resolution was adopted unanimously by the 15-member council.
It's a very effective weapon, because the communities are totally destroyed
Maj Gen Patrick CammaertFormer UN peacekeeper
Raped for opposing Mugabe
It described sexual violence as "a tactic of war to humiliate, dominate, instil fear in, disperse and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or ethnic group".
The document said that the violence "can significantly exacerbate situations of armed conflict and may impede the restoration of international peace and security".
During the debate in the council, Mr Ban said: "Responding to this silent war against women and girls requires leadership at the national level."
"National authorities need to take the initiative to build comprehensive strategies while the UN needs to help build capacity and support national authorities and civil societies," he added.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the world now recognised that sexual violence profoundly affected not only the health and safety of women, but the economic and social stability of their nations.
Other speakers identified the former Yugoslavia, Sudan's Darfur region, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Liberia as regions where deliberate sexual violence had occurred on a mass scale.
Deterrent?
The former commander of the UN peacekeeping force in eastern Congo, Maj Gen Patrick Cammaert, told the BBC he had personally witnessed its impact.
A womens' campaigner on the extent of rape
"It's a very effective weapon, because the communities are totally destroyed," he said.
"You destroy communities. You punish the men, and you punish the women, doing it in front of the men."
In the Democratic Republic of Congo alone, some 40 women are raped every day, our correspondent says.
Sometimes women are even raped by peacekeepers who are supposed to be protecting them, she adds.
The question is whether those in conflict zones who use rape in war will be at all deterred by the new measures, she says.
Vagina Monolog
"My vagina's angry! It is. It's pissed off! My vagina's furious and it needs to talk! It needs to talk about all this shi!. It needs to talk to you!I mean what's the deal — an army of people out there thinking up ways to torture my poor-ass, gentle loving vagina. Spending their days constructing psycho products, and nasty ideas to undermine my pussy. Vagina Motherfuckers.All this shit they're constantly trying to shove up us, clean us up — stuff us up, make it go away. Well, my vagina's not going away. It's pissed off and it's staying right here. Like tampons — what the hell is that? A wad of dry fucking cotton stuffed up there. Why can't they find a way to subtly lubricate the tampon? As soon as my vagina sees it, it goes into shock. It says forget it. It closes up. You need to work with the vagina, introduce it to things, prepare the way. That's what foreplay's all about. You got to convince my vagina, seduce my vagina, engage my vagina's trust. You can't do that with a dry wad of fucking cotton.Stop shoving things up me. Stop shoving and stop cleaning it up. My vagina doesn't need to be cleaned up. It smells good already. Don't try to decorate. Don't believe him when he tells you it smells like rose petals when it's supposed to smell like pussy. That's what they're doing, trying to clean it up, make it smell like bathroom spray or a garden. All those douche sprays, floral, berry, rain. I don't want my pussy to smell like berries or rain. All cleaned up like washing a fish after you cook it. I want to taste the fish. That's why I ordered it.Then there's those exams. Who thought them up? There's got to be a better way to do those exams. Why the scary paper dress that scratches your tits and crunches when you lie down so you feel like a wad of paper someone threw away? Why the rubber gloves? Why the flashlight all up there like Nancy Drew working against gravity, why the Nazi steel stirrups, the mean cold duck lips they shove inside you? What's that? My vagina's angry about those visits. It gets defended weeks in advance. It won't go out of the house. Then you get there. Don't you hate that? "Scoot down. Relax your vagina." Why? So you can shove mean cold duck lips inside it. I don't think so.Why can't they find some nice delicious purple velvet and wrap it around me, lay me down on some feathery cotton spread, put on some nice friendly pink or blue gloves, and rest my feet in some fur covered stirrups? Warm up the duck lips. Work with my vagina.But no, more tortures — dry wad of fucking cotton, cold duck lips, and thong underwear. That's the worst. Thong underwear. Who thought that up? Moves around all the time, gets stuck in the back of your vagina, real crusty butt.Vagina's supposed to be loose and wide, not held together. That's why girdles are so bad. We need to move and spread and talk and talk. Vaginas need comfort. Make something like that. Something to give them pleasure. No, of course they won't do that. Hate to see a woman having pleasure, particularly sexual pleasure. I mean make a nice pair of soft cotton underwear with a French tickler built in. Women would be coming all day long, coming in the supermarket, coming on the subway, coming happy vaginas. They wouldn't be able to stand it. Seeing all those energized, not taking shit, hot happy vaginas.If my vagina could talk it would talk about itself like me, it would talk about other vaginas, it would do vagina impressions.It would wear Harry Winston diamonds, no clothing, just there all draped in diamonds.My vagina helped release a giant baby. It thought it would be doing more of that. It's not. Now, it wants to travel, doesn't want a lot of company. It wants to read and know things and get out more. It wants sex. It loves sex. It wants to go deeper. It's hungry for depth. It wants kindness. It wants change. It wants silence and freedom and gentle kisses and warm liquids and deep touch. It wants chocolate and trust and beauty. It wants to scream. It wants to stop being angry. It wants to come. It wants to want. It wants. My vagina, my vagina. Well...It wants everything."(written for Whoopie Goldberg; Preformed Vagina Monolag)
V-Day
V-Day Founder Eve Ensler (The Vagina Monologues) launches “Stop Raping Our Greatest Resource, Power To The Women And Girls Of The Democratic Republic Of Congo” in Glamour Magazine
V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues. In 2007, more than 3000 V-Day events took place in the U.S. and around the world. To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $50 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, reopened shelters, and funded over 5000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses in Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt and Iraq. The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina. http://www.vday.org
V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues. In 2007, more than 3000 V-Day events took place in the U.S. and around the world. To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $50 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, reopened shelters, and funded over 5000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses in Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt and Iraq. The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina. http://www.vday.org
V-Day
V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues. In 2007, more than 3000 V-Day events took place in the U.S. and around the world. To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $50 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, reopened shelters, and funded over 5000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses in Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt and Iraq. The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina. http://www.vday.org
Friday, June 27, 2008
Nicolas Sarkozy~ Sexist?
The French president has irritated female members of parliament by sending them what they say is an ill-judged gift to mark France's EU presidency.
Nicolas Sarkozy's office sent a sleek black case to all MPs, male and female, including a pale grey tie.
Socialist MP Aurelie Filippetti proclaimed it "yet more proof of male chauvinism in the political class".
Others took it more lightly, gamely adding the ties to their outfits or even wearing them as headbands.
Junior minister Nadine Morano - one of Mr Sarkozy's most loyal staffers - defended her boss's blunder by saying that "even for a woman, wearing a tie can be nice," the Guardian reports.
Some 18% of deputies in the National Assembly - a total of 107 - are women.
Mr Sarkozy chose many women for cabinet-level posts, including Justice Minister Rachida Dati and Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie.
Women also hold the finance, higher education, culture and agriculture ministries and the health, youth and sports portfolio in Mr Sarkozy's cabinet.
Nicolas Sarkozy's office sent a sleek black case to all MPs, male and female, including a pale grey tie.
Socialist MP Aurelie Filippetti proclaimed it "yet more proof of male chauvinism in the political class".
Others took it more lightly, gamely adding the ties to their outfits or even wearing them as headbands.
Junior minister Nadine Morano - one of Mr Sarkozy's most loyal staffers - defended her boss's blunder by saying that "even for a woman, wearing a tie can be nice," the Guardian reports.
Some 18% of deputies in the National Assembly - a total of 107 - are women.
Mr Sarkozy chose many women for cabinet-level posts, including Justice Minister Rachida Dati and Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie.
Women also hold the finance, higher education, culture and agriculture ministries and the health, youth and sports portfolio in Mr Sarkozy's cabinet.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fistula...
Fistula used to be present in the U.S. and Europe, but was largely eliminated in the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century with improved obstetric care in general and the use of c-sections in particular to relieve obstructed labor.
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2 million women have untreated fistula and that approximately 100,000 women develop fistula each year. Fistula is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
In Ethiopia, alone, there are an estimated 100,000 women suffering with untreated fistula, and another 9,000 women who develop fistula each year.
Less than 6 in 10 women in developing countries give birth with any trained professional, such as a midwife or a doctor. In Ethiopia, only 1 in 10 women have a trained attendant. When complications arise, as they do in approximately 15% of all births, there is no one available to treat the woman, leading to disabling injuries like fistula, and even death.
The root causes of fistula are grinding poverty and the low status of women and girls. In Ethiopia, the poverty and malnutrition in children contributes to the condition of stunting, where the girl skeleton, and therefore pelvis as well, do not fully mature. This stunted condition can contribute to obstructed labor, and therefore fistula.
But, fistula is both preventable and treatable. The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital has treated over 30,000 women over 33 years. Their cure rate is over 90%. Fistula can be prevented if laboring women are provided with adequate emergency obstetric care when complications arise.
Q & A : Fistula
Q:
Can fistula be "cured"?
A:
Yes. An obstetric fistula can be closed with intravaginal surgery. If her surgery is performed by a skilled surgeon, a fistula patient has a good chance of returning to a normal life with full control of her bodily functions. The Fistula Hospital has a 93% success/cure rate.
Q:
How much does it cost to treat a fistula?
A:
At the Hamlin Fistula Hospitals, it costs US$450 to provide one woman with a fistula repair operation, high-quality postoperative care, a new dress, and bus fare home.
Q:
What are the causes of obstetric fistula?
A:
A fistula results from an obstructed labor that is left unrelieved and untreated. It is estimated that 5% of all pregnant women worldwide will experience obstructed labor. In the United States and other affluent countries, emergency obstetric care is readily available. In many developing countries where there are few hospitals, few doctors, and poor transportation systems, and where women are not highly valued, obstructed labor often results in death of the mother. When she survives, there is a great likelihood her child will die and she will develop a fistula. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), there are three delays that contribute to the development of a fistula: delay in seeking medical attention; delay in reaching a medical facility; and delay in receiving medical care once arriving at a health care facility.
Q:
I heard that fistulas are a result of female genital mutilation. Is this true?
A:
While harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) are rightly of concern to the international medical community, they are not major contributors to the development of an obstetric fistula. Some patients at the Hamlin Fistula Hospitals have been victims of FGM, but their fistulas are almost always caused by an obstructed labor resulting from a too-small pelvis or a malpresentation of the baby. FGM does not "cause" a fistula.
Q:
How many women does this problem affect?
A:
Because fistula affects women in the most remote regions of the world, an accurate count is very hard to achieve. The most common estimate is that 100,000 women worldwide develop fistulas every year, though some estimates put the number closer to 500,000. Experts at the Hamlin Fistula Hospitals estimate that there are approximately 9,000 new cases of fistula every year in Ethiopia alone. Because most fistula sufferers are young women—many still in their teens—they are likely to live with their condition for upwards of 25 years. By any estimate, there are at least two million women currently living with fistula throughout the developing world. The world capacity to treat fistula is estimated at 6,500 fistula repair surgeries per year.
Q:
Where is fistula prevalent?
A:
There is a high incidence of fistula in Africa and parts of Asia, but women are susceptible to developing fistulas wherever there are insufficient emergency obstetric care systems.
Q:
Can fistula be prevented?
A:
Any woman who can gain access to emergency obstetric care such as a cesarean section will not develop a fistula. This is why Hamlin Fistula Hospitals are building new small hospitals in five Ethiopian provinces to increase the capacity of regional hospitals to provide fistula repair surgery and quality emergency obstetric care.
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2 million women have untreated fistula and that approximately 100,000 women develop fistula each year. Fistula is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
In Ethiopia, alone, there are an estimated 100,000 women suffering with untreated fistula, and another 9,000 women who develop fistula each year.
Less than 6 in 10 women in developing countries give birth with any trained professional, such as a midwife or a doctor. In Ethiopia, only 1 in 10 women have a trained attendant. When complications arise, as they do in approximately 15% of all births, there is no one available to treat the woman, leading to disabling injuries like fistula, and even death.
The root causes of fistula are grinding poverty and the low status of women and girls. In Ethiopia, the poverty and malnutrition in children contributes to the condition of stunting, where the girl skeleton, and therefore pelvis as well, do not fully mature. This stunted condition can contribute to obstructed labor, and therefore fistula.
But, fistula is both preventable and treatable. The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital has treated over 30,000 women over 33 years. Their cure rate is over 90%. Fistula can be prevented if laboring women are provided with adequate emergency obstetric care when complications arise.
Q & A : Fistula
Q:
Can fistula be "cured"?
A:
Yes. An obstetric fistula can be closed with intravaginal surgery. If her surgery is performed by a skilled surgeon, a fistula patient has a good chance of returning to a normal life with full control of her bodily functions. The Fistula Hospital has a 93% success/cure rate.
Q:
How much does it cost to treat a fistula?
A:
At the Hamlin Fistula Hospitals, it costs US$450 to provide one woman with a fistula repair operation, high-quality postoperative care, a new dress, and bus fare home.
Q:
What are the causes of obstetric fistula?
A:
A fistula results from an obstructed labor that is left unrelieved and untreated. It is estimated that 5% of all pregnant women worldwide will experience obstructed labor. In the United States and other affluent countries, emergency obstetric care is readily available. In many developing countries where there are few hospitals, few doctors, and poor transportation systems, and where women are not highly valued, obstructed labor often results in death of the mother. When she survives, there is a great likelihood her child will die and she will develop a fistula. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), there are three delays that contribute to the development of a fistula: delay in seeking medical attention; delay in reaching a medical facility; and delay in receiving medical care once arriving at a health care facility.
Q:
I heard that fistulas are a result of female genital mutilation. Is this true?
A:
While harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) are rightly of concern to the international medical community, they are not major contributors to the development of an obstetric fistula. Some patients at the Hamlin Fistula Hospitals have been victims of FGM, but their fistulas are almost always caused by an obstructed labor resulting from a too-small pelvis or a malpresentation of the baby. FGM does not "cause" a fistula.
Q:
How many women does this problem affect?
A:
Because fistula affects women in the most remote regions of the world, an accurate count is very hard to achieve. The most common estimate is that 100,000 women worldwide develop fistulas every year, though some estimates put the number closer to 500,000. Experts at the Hamlin Fistula Hospitals estimate that there are approximately 9,000 new cases of fistula every year in Ethiopia alone. Because most fistula sufferers are young women—many still in their teens—they are likely to live with their condition for upwards of 25 years. By any estimate, there are at least two million women currently living with fistula throughout the developing world. The world capacity to treat fistula is estimated at 6,500 fistula repair surgeries per year.
Q:
Where is fistula prevalent?
A:
There is a high incidence of fistula in Africa and parts of Asia, but women are susceptible to developing fistulas wherever there are insufficient emergency obstetric care systems.
Q:
Can fistula be prevented?
A:
Any woman who can gain access to emergency obstetric care such as a cesarean section will not develop a fistula. This is why Hamlin Fistula Hospitals are building new small hospitals in five Ethiopian provinces to increase the capacity of regional hospitals to provide fistula repair surgery and quality emergency obstetric care.
Polyandry
This particular post will focus on a more narrow and discrete topic: From a feminist perspective, is polyandry more or less acceptable than polygyny?
Let’s start with a very quick history and terminology lesson. Polygamy means taking more than one spouse, either husband or wife. Polygyny means one man taking multiple wives. Polyandry means one woman taking multiple husbands.
In the Mormon context, there are two twists to these definitions. First, the term polygamy is often used informally, to mean polygyny. Second, the term polyandry is typically used to refer to the practice of male-initiated marriage and sexual relations with already-married women. As a definitional matter, “polyandry” need not be limited to male-initiated bonds, and in some polyandrous societies, women have freedom to choose their mates. However, Mormon polyandry as practiced in Nauvoo (and later to a lesser degree in Utah) did not accord women such freedom. Rather, a small subset of already-married women were approached and asked to become the plural wives of other men, while simultanously remaining in their existing marriages.
From a feminist perspective, polyandry creates new wrinkles.
On an initial examination, polyandry has some potential to be a pro-feminist piece if the polygamy puzzle. For one thing, it adds a very satisfying “sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander” aspect to the discussion. The system of Mormon polygyny institutionalized yet another gender-based double standard. This double standard placed the brunt of the emotional costs on the plural wives, who were expected to share their husbands. Under polyandry, the costs of spouse-sharing are distributed at least somewhat among both sexes.
Second, polyandry probably fosters male empathy towards women forced to share spouses. Polygamous marriages often created tension and unhappiness in women, who dealt with difficult emotional turmoil. Similarly, we read of tension and unhappiness felt by men who were in polyandrous marriages.
polyandry potentially allows more freedom for women to enter into fulfilling relationships
On all of these counts — lessening of the double standard, greater burden-sharing and probably empathy from men, and broader relationship opportunities for women — polyandry seems like a clear gain for women
Let’s start with a very quick history and terminology lesson. Polygamy means taking more than one spouse, either husband or wife. Polygyny means one man taking multiple wives. Polyandry means one woman taking multiple husbands.
In the Mormon context, there are two twists to these definitions. First, the term polygamy is often used informally, to mean polygyny. Second, the term polyandry is typically used to refer to the practice of male-initiated marriage and sexual relations with already-married women. As a definitional matter, “polyandry” need not be limited to male-initiated bonds, and in some polyandrous societies, women have freedom to choose their mates. However, Mormon polyandry as practiced in Nauvoo (and later to a lesser degree in Utah) did not accord women such freedom. Rather, a small subset of already-married women were approached and asked to become the plural wives of other men, while simultanously remaining in their existing marriages.
From a feminist perspective, polyandry creates new wrinkles.
On an initial examination, polyandry has some potential to be a pro-feminist piece if the polygamy puzzle. For one thing, it adds a very satisfying “sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander” aspect to the discussion. The system of Mormon polygyny institutionalized yet another gender-based double standard. This double standard placed the brunt of the emotional costs on the plural wives, who were expected to share their husbands. Under polyandry, the costs of spouse-sharing are distributed at least somewhat among both sexes.
Second, polyandry probably fosters male empathy towards women forced to share spouses. Polygamous marriages often created tension and unhappiness in women, who dealt with difficult emotional turmoil. Similarly, we read of tension and unhappiness felt by men who were in polyandrous marriages.
polyandry potentially allows more freedom for women to enter into fulfilling relationships
On all of these counts — lessening of the double standard, greater burden-sharing and probably empathy from men, and broader relationship opportunities for women — polyandry seems like a clear gain for women
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Takin a minute to digest it all...
Now that I have, I have a few things I wanna'get off of my chest....A few questions I would like answered...
Why in the Hell is a lie easier to spill out of the mouths of men ( and women) than the truth?I know some people that actually believe their lies to be true. (can you say Psychotic)
Why is it that in the realm of LOVE usually only one person is truely in it of the right reasons?
What the Hell is a Baby Daddie... The last I checked with my Mid Wife every last one of us ( in some way ) had a daddie to get here.
Why are we accepting the word "BLACK' as the precursor to almost all things negitive..? ie.. Black ball, black listed, black Monday and blackmale ( I especially lothe that one)?
Why is a womans sexuality looked upon as something to be had/ controlled/ possessed by the oppisite of her sex?
Where was I when the ordanance was passed that allowed the Zippers of the world to dictate our (present day) sexual being????
I am so tired of My (and other women's ) sexuality being the source of debate with people that have no way of comprehending its power and worth.
If you are Pro choice, chose...If you are Pro life live.. but don't fucking Preach on the basis of morality and "god" when the strp club, blow jobs and porno get your 10% and church 'aint seen your ass in a month of Sunday's.
Where did the women with back bones move to?????? Did I miss the memo with the directions to the new subdivision.... ? Or have we all de-evolved and are now preparing to move back into caves and seeking our personal medical care and advise on the back alleys... (please someone speak up!!! Have the Zippers WON??? I dont think so.)
Where are the men that are not intemidated or tainted by the Willey Lynch syndrome, that are up to the challenges of a life time??? or should I assume the last of them died with my grand father on 4-21-06?
Why with all of the eastern and western medical/ wholelistic resources out there why are we not reproducing?Have you seen ALL of the advertisments for erectile disfunction on the tube lately????
there is a real problem...and when it begins to effect Me and what I need, want and deserve.... Well, then its A HELL of a Problem!!!!!!!!! ( brothas need to check their life styles, get some excersize( get from behind the laptop), put down the Latte, pick up some water... somethin')
Why are our babies being born into sterile, forgien, cold ass enviornments instead of being born into the familiar enviornments of home? ( sistas need to prioritize, refocus and strenghen up... Get comfortable with your instincts again. Doctors are only a reference not the answer to all. Mid wives do still exist!!!! )
why are we trying soooo hard to give our children everything under the sun ( play station 3, MP3's, XboX 360's, $1000 wardrobes ect...) except the things they need the most...? US, Our time, Our involvement?
Why/ When did we allow the government to dictate when where and how we raise educate interact and love OUR CHILDREN!!??
Since when is it "NORMAL" to have a relationship by way of a blackberry,e-mail or chatt messages???What happened to face to face honesty and personal interaction? (Insanity, I tell you) What are we afraid of.. one another??? com'on get real.If we were that damn afraid of one another we would all be looking for that same hole in the ground(that they allegedly found Sadam in ) to hide in, not on social networks trying to connect.
I could go on forever but why? You feel me..even if you dont admit it...You feel me..
Now that I have, I have a few things I wanna'get off of my chest....A few questions I would like answered...
Why in the Hell is a lie easier to spill out of the mouths of men ( and women) than the truth?I know some people that actually believe their lies to be true. (can you say Psychotic)
Why is it that in the realm of LOVE usually only one person is truely in it of the right reasons?
What the Hell is a Baby Daddie... The last I checked with my Mid Wife every last one of us ( in some way ) had a daddie to get here.
Why are we accepting the word "BLACK' as the precursor to almost all things negitive..? ie.. Black ball, black listed, black Monday and blackmale ( I especially lothe that one)?
Why is a womans sexuality looked upon as something to be had/ controlled/ possessed by the oppisite of her sex?
Where was I when the ordanance was passed that allowed the Zippers of the world to dictate our (present day) sexual being????
I am so tired of My (and other women's ) sexuality being the source of debate with people that have no way of comprehending its power and worth.
If you are Pro choice, chose...If you are Pro life live.. but don't fucking Preach on the basis of morality and "god" when the strp club, blow jobs and porno get your 10% and church 'aint seen your ass in a month of Sunday's.
Where did the women with back bones move to?????? Did I miss the memo with the directions to the new subdivision.... ? Or have we all de-evolved and are now preparing to move back into caves and seeking our personal medical care and advise on the back alleys... (please someone speak up!!! Have the Zippers WON??? I dont think so.)
Where are the men that are not intemidated or tainted by the Willey Lynch syndrome, that are up to the challenges of a life time??? or should I assume the last of them died with my grand father on 4-21-06?
Why with all of the eastern and western medical/ wholelistic resources out there why are we not reproducing?Have you seen ALL of the advertisments for erectile disfunction on the tube lately????
there is a real problem...and when it begins to effect Me and what I need, want and deserve.... Well, then its A HELL of a Problem!!!!!!!!! ( brothas need to check their life styles, get some excersize( get from behind the laptop), put down the Latte, pick up some water... somethin')
Why are our babies being born into sterile, forgien, cold ass enviornments instead of being born into the familiar enviornments of home? ( sistas need to prioritize, refocus and strenghen up... Get comfortable with your instincts again. Doctors are only a reference not the answer to all. Mid wives do still exist!!!! )
why are we trying soooo hard to give our children everything under the sun ( play station 3, MP3's, XboX 360's, $1000 wardrobes ect...) except the things they need the most...? US, Our time, Our involvement?
Why/ When did we allow the government to dictate when where and how we raise educate interact and love OUR CHILDREN!!??
Since when is it "NORMAL" to have a relationship by way of a blackberry,e-mail or chatt messages???What happened to face to face honesty and personal interaction? (Insanity, I tell you) What are we afraid of.. one another??? com'on get real.If we were that damn afraid of one another we would all be looking for that same hole in the ground(that they allegedly found Sadam in ) to hide in, not on social networks trying to connect.
I could go on forever but why? You feel me..even if you dont admit it...You feel me..
The War being Waged on OUR BODIES
By Poterai Bakwa Friday, 20 June 2008 10:19 UK
Mashonaland West province, ZimbabweTwenty three-year-old Zimbabwean Maidei [not her real name] struggled to talk about her ordeal at the hands of Zimbabwe's ruling party youths who were keeping her captive.Nearby the Zanu-PF base in rural Mashonaland West province, she told me about how she had been raped and abused for two weeks.It was against my will and he did not use any protectionMaidei"I was taken hostage by Zanu-PF youths who are being led by a major and war veteran," she said."One of them said I had to renounce my allegiance to opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)."I had to give in to his demands as he said I could be beaten."It was against my will and he did not use any protection."Our interview was made possible at the shopping centre near the base by a well-known businessman with connections to the ruling party in the area.He had been providing the militia with beer and had met Maidei when she had been sent to the shops to collect it.When we arrived with three crates of beer, Maidei was again despatched to fetch it.As she quietly told us her story, she nervously kept an eye out for her abusers.She said she was not able to make a bid to escape as the men knew where her family lived - about three kilometres from the base.Zanu-PF heartlandBefore the first round of the election in March, Maidei, like many other young people fed up with Zimbabwe's economic crisis, was not afraid to make her support for the opposition known.An estimated 25,000 people have been displaced in post-poll violenceIn Mashonaland West, President Robert Mugabe's home province, the MDC made inroads into the Zanu-PF heartland, snatching five parliamentary seats from the ruling party.In the weeks after the election, Zanu-PF bases mushroomed across the province, where opposition sympathisers were targeted for "re-education".On 13 April, Tapiwa Mugwandarikwa was stabbed to death in the province by suspected ruling party supporters - one of the first of an estimated 70 opposition members to be murdered in the post-poll violence countrywide.Travelling in the area was dangerous. At business centres along the road - every 20km or so - we were searched and needed clearance to continue.Fortunately my contact smoothed the path and we occasionally gave money for the young men to buy beer.Rural victimsAs the country heads for a second round of a presidential election on 27 June, the MDC says Maidei's case is not unique.MDC Information Director Luke Tambironyoka says more than 500 women and girls have been sexually abused and raped in the political violence gripping the country.These abuses should leave politicians hanging their heads in shameBetty MakoniGirl Child Network"We are still yet to establish the exact figure as some cases are still yet to be reported officially," he says."Furthermore, the majority of the victims are in the outlying remote rural areas, where they are in hiding fearing for their lives."According to Maidei, the abuse tends to happen at night-time vigils, called "pungwes".These are gatherings held in the open where people are forced to sing revolutionary songs to prove their loyalty to the ruling party.Many residents in the area are made to attend, including girls as young as 16 where, if they catch a commander's eye, they are kept at the base until the militia leave the area.Maidei said she was more vulnerable in such a situation as she was a widow - her husband died of TB three years ago, leaving her with two children.A local Zanu-PF official explained to me that the pungwes, used during the war of independence, were still necessary as "political re-orientation" exercises to warn people "against the opposition which is backed by the West".Asked about the allegations that men were raping women and girls forcibly at the meetings, he replied matter-of-factly: "We have to share in comradeship as we have the same aim to get rid of the opposition here."He confirmed that the young and beautiful women were often identified at the meetings and made to stay on with the group leaders.SurpriseHis reply glossed over the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV/Aids which has wreaked havoc in Zimbabwe.The ruling party has been campaigning vigorously across the countryLife expectancy has plunged to 37 years from 60 years in 1990, largely due to the HIV/Aids pandemic.According to a male nurse based in Chinyoi, many of the feared war veterans active in the area during the 2000 elections have died as a result of the virus."In Mashonaland West, a notorious gang of war veterans has lost its five main leaders to HIV and Aids-related illness as they raped women during their reign of terror then," said the nurse, who asked not to be named.Betty Makoni, who works for the non-governmental organisation Girl Child Network, says the scale of the rape and abuse in the last few months has taken aid workers by surprise.The run-up to the March vote was relatively peaceful, with the MDC being able to campaign in rural areas.I am living in fearMaidei"We have been caught unaware by this political crisis where women and girls are being abused and raped in the areas the ruling party has sealed off," she says."These abuses should leave politicians hanging their heads in shame for not assisting their own mothers and sisters as is the norm in African culture."The Zanu-PF bases which operated for about six to eight weeks in Mashonaland West have now been dismantled, as urban areas become their focus.Whilst captive, Maidei said that she felt her parents were safe from attack.Asked whether she would report the rapes when released, she said it would depend on the political landscape after the elections."I am living in fear," she said.
Mashonaland West province, ZimbabweTwenty three-year-old Zimbabwean Maidei [not her real name] struggled to talk about her ordeal at the hands of Zimbabwe's ruling party youths who were keeping her captive.Nearby the Zanu-PF base in rural Mashonaland West province, she told me about how she had been raped and abused for two weeks.It was against my will and he did not use any protectionMaidei"I was taken hostage by Zanu-PF youths who are being led by a major and war veteran," she said."One of them said I had to renounce my allegiance to opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)."I had to give in to his demands as he said I could be beaten."It was against my will and he did not use any protection."Our interview was made possible at the shopping centre near the base by a well-known businessman with connections to the ruling party in the area.He had been providing the militia with beer and had met Maidei when she had been sent to the shops to collect it.When we arrived with three crates of beer, Maidei was again despatched to fetch it.As she quietly told us her story, she nervously kept an eye out for her abusers.She said she was not able to make a bid to escape as the men knew where her family lived - about three kilometres from the base.Zanu-PF heartlandBefore the first round of the election in March, Maidei, like many other young people fed up with Zimbabwe's economic crisis, was not afraid to make her support for the opposition known.An estimated 25,000 people have been displaced in post-poll violenceIn Mashonaland West, President Robert Mugabe's home province, the MDC made inroads into the Zanu-PF heartland, snatching five parliamentary seats from the ruling party.In the weeks after the election, Zanu-PF bases mushroomed across the province, where opposition sympathisers were targeted for "re-education".On 13 April, Tapiwa Mugwandarikwa was stabbed to death in the province by suspected ruling party supporters - one of the first of an estimated 70 opposition members to be murdered in the post-poll violence countrywide.Travelling in the area was dangerous. At business centres along the road - every 20km or so - we were searched and needed clearance to continue.Fortunately my contact smoothed the path and we occasionally gave money for the young men to buy beer.Rural victimsAs the country heads for a second round of a presidential election on 27 June, the MDC says Maidei's case is not unique.MDC Information Director Luke Tambironyoka says more than 500 women and girls have been sexually abused and raped in the political violence gripping the country.These abuses should leave politicians hanging their heads in shameBetty MakoniGirl Child Network"We are still yet to establish the exact figure as some cases are still yet to be reported officially," he says."Furthermore, the majority of the victims are in the outlying remote rural areas, where they are in hiding fearing for their lives."According to Maidei, the abuse tends to happen at night-time vigils, called "pungwes".These are gatherings held in the open where people are forced to sing revolutionary songs to prove their loyalty to the ruling party.Many residents in the area are made to attend, including girls as young as 16 where, if they catch a commander's eye, they are kept at the base until the militia leave the area.Maidei said she was more vulnerable in such a situation as she was a widow - her husband died of TB three years ago, leaving her with two children.A local Zanu-PF official explained to me that the pungwes, used during the war of independence, were still necessary as "political re-orientation" exercises to warn people "against the opposition which is backed by the West".Asked about the allegations that men were raping women and girls forcibly at the meetings, he replied matter-of-factly: "We have to share in comradeship as we have the same aim to get rid of the opposition here."He confirmed that the young and beautiful women were often identified at the meetings and made to stay on with the group leaders.SurpriseHis reply glossed over the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV/Aids which has wreaked havoc in Zimbabwe.The ruling party has been campaigning vigorously across the countryLife expectancy has plunged to 37 years from 60 years in 1990, largely due to the HIV/Aids pandemic.According to a male nurse based in Chinyoi, many of the feared war veterans active in the area during the 2000 elections have died as a result of the virus."In Mashonaland West, a notorious gang of war veterans has lost its five main leaders to HIV and Aids-related illness as they raped women during their reign of terror then," said the nurse, who asked not to be named.Betty Makoni, who works for the non-governmental organisation Girl Child Network, says the scale of the rape and abuse in the last few months has taken aid workers by surprise.The run-up to the March vote was relatively peaceful, with the MDC being able to campaign in rural areas.I am living in fearMaidei"We have been caught unaware by this political crisis where women and girls are being abused and raped in the areas the ruling party has sealed off," she says."These abuses should leave politicians hanging their heads in shame for not assisting their own mothers and sisters as is the norm in African culture."The Zanu-PF bases which operated for about six to eight weeks in Mashonaland West have now been dismantled, as urban areas become their focus.Whilst captive, Maidei said that she felt her parents were safe from attack.Asked whether she would report the rapes when released, she said it would depend on the political landscape after the elections."I am living in fear," she said.
Time Line
1756: Lydia Chapin Taft, also known as Lydia Taft, became the first legal woman voter in America. She voted in 3 town hall mettings with the consent of the electorate.
1776: The State Constitution of New Jersey granted all property-owning citizens the right to vote, regardless of race or color. However, this right was lost in 1807 when it was restricted to white males.
1869: Wyoming becomes the first sub-national territory to grant women the right to vote, followed by Utah (1870, lost in 1887, restored in 1895), Colorado (1893), Arizona (1912), Oregon (1912), Illinios (1913) and Montana (1914).
1872: Susan B. Anthony is the first US woman to vote in a presidential election; subsequently, she is arrested for having voted illegally. However, her trial provided her with a much more public platform to spread her message. True to her word, she never paid the fine imposed upon her as punishment for voting.
1881: The Isle of Man gives property-owning unmarried women and widows the right to vote, becoming the first nation to do so.
1882: Aletta Jacobs is the first woman in the Netherlands to attempt to register to vote; her application is denied.
1893: New Zealand grants all women the right to vote; however, New Zealand is not a sovereign nation at this time but a self-governing colony of the British Empire. Regardless, New Zealand is often credited today for being the first nation to grant all women the right to vote. Women gained the right to stand for office in New Zealand in 1919.
1906-1907: Finland becomes the first European nation to give women the vote, and 19 women are elected to the new 200-person Finnish parliament.
1916: Jeanette Rankin of Montana is the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
1920: The US ratifies the 19th Ammendment, providing universal sufferage to women.
1928: Women ages 21 to 29 in Britain are able to vote for the first time, as women's suffrage is reduced from age 30 to 21.
1930: Alexandra Kollontai is appointed Ambassador from the Soviet Union to Sweden, becoming the first woman Ambassador in modern history.
1933: Frances Perkins, the first U.S. female Cabinet member, is appointed Secretary of Labor.
1946: Women vote and stand for election to the House of Representatives for the first time in Japan. Of the 79 women running for office, 39 are elected.
1960: Nakayama Masa is appointed Minister of Health and Welfare in Japan, becoming Japan's first female cabinet member.
1960: Siramavo Bandaranaike of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) becomes the world's first female Prime Minister.
1966: Indira Gandhi becomes the first Prime Minister of India.
1968: Soong Ching-ling named Co-Chairwoman of the People's Republic of China, becoming the first non-royal woman to lead the state of China.
1969: Golda Meir becomes the first female Prime Minister of Israel.
1974: Maria Estela (Isabela) Martinez de Peron succeeds her husband and becomes the first woman President of Argentina and the first female head of state in the Americas.
1979: Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo becomes the first woman Prime Minister of Portugal.
1979: Lidia Geiler is the first woman elected President of Bolivia.
1979: Margaret Thatcher becomes the first woman Prime MInister of the United Kingdom. She served in that position -- winning re-election in 1983 and in 1987 -- until resigning in 1990.
1979: Simone Weil of France is the first woman elected President of the European Parliament.
1980: Vigdis Finnbogadottir is the first woman elected President of Iceland.
1980: Jeanne Sauve is the first woman appointed Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada.
1981: Gro Harlem Brundtland is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Norway.
1982: Agatha Barbara is elected President of Malta.
1982: Milka Planinc is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Yugoslavia.
1982: Eugenia Charles, Doinica, is the first woman to become Prime Minister in the Caribbean.
1982: Rosario Ibarra de Piedra is the first woman to run for President of Mexico.
1984: Geraldine Ferraro is the first woman nominated for Vice-President by either major political party in the United States.
1985: Maria Liberia-Peters is the first woman to become Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles.
1986: Corazon Aquino is the first woman elected president of the Philippines.
1988: Benazir Bhutto is the first woman elected Prime Minister of Pakistan and becomes the first woman elected to head a Muslim country. However, she was removed from office 20 months later on false charges of corruption. In 1993 she was re-elected but was again removed in 1996. She went into self-imposed exile in Dubai for security reasons. In 2007, she returned to Pakistan as a popular figure, likely to win election to be Prime Minister once again. She was assassinated by Islamic Fundamental Extremists on December 27, 2007.
1989: Violeta Barrios de Chamorro elected President of Nicagagua.
1990: Mary Robinson is the first woman elected President of Ireland.
1990: Ertha Pascal-Trouillot is the first woman elected President of Haiti.
1990: Carmen Lawrence is Australia's first female Premier.
1991: Edith Cresson is the first woman elected Prime Minister of France.
1991: Khaleda Zia Rahman is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
1991: Rita Johnston is Canada's first female Premier.
1992: California elects two women, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, to the U.S. Senate.
1992: Betty Boothroyd is the first woman chosen to be Speaker of the House of Commons in Great Britain.
1992: Hanna Suchocka is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Poland.
1993: Toujan Faisal is the first woman elected to the Parliament of Jordan.
1993: Tansu Ciller is the first woman elected Prime Minister of Turkey.
1993: Agathe Uwilingiyimana is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Rwanda, though she was officially relieved of her position eighteen days later. She remained in the position however in a "caretaker capacity" until her assassination in 1994 at the beginning of the Rawandan Genocide.
1993: Anson Chan is the first woman, also the first Chinese person, to be appointed Chief Secretary, the number two position in Hong Kong.
1993: Sylvie Kinigi is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Burundi.
1993: Canada received first female Prime Minister Kim Campbell.
1994: Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga elected President of Sri Lanka.
1995: Two women run for President and 8 for Vice President of Peru, the first time women have been candidates for these offices.
1997: Mary McAleese elected President of Ireland.
1999: Vaira Vike-Freiberga elected to President of Latvia. She is the first woman to president of a country in Eastern Europe of the former Soviet Union.
1999: Mireya Elisa Moscoso de Arias becomes first female President of Panama.
1999: Helen Clark elected Prime Minister of New Zealand.
2000: Tarja Kaarina Halonen elected to be Finland's first female President.
2001: Maria Gloria Macapagal Arroyo elected President of the Phillippines.
2001: Megawati Sukarnoputri elected as the first woman President of the Republic of Indonesia.
2002: Nancy Pelosi is sworn in as the House Democratic Whip - the highest-ranking leadership position ever held by a women in the United States Congress at that time. She was later named Minority Leader.
2003: Beatriz Merino was elected as Prime Minister of Peru, becoming the first woman to hold the position. However, unsubstantiated rumors began to circulate about Merino that she was a lesbian due to her status as unmarried and having bought a house with a female collegue. Due to the fact that Peru is a deeply Roman Catholic nation, these rumors were enough to have Merino dismissed from office 6 months after her term began, despite a 60% job approval rating.
2004: Luisa Diogo is elected Prime Minister of Mozambique.
2004-2005: Yulia Tymoshenko helps lead the Ukrainian Orange Revolution and is named Prime Minister by her "Orange Partner" President Viktor Yushenko. Yushenko removes her from office in 2006 and reappoints her once again to the office in 2007.
2005: Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson elected Africa's first female president as Liberia's head-of-state in November.
2005: Angela Merkel elected Chancellor of Germany.
2006: Democrats take control of the United States Congress and Nancy Pelosi is elevated to the position of Speaker of the House. She is the third highest ranking official in the United States government and the highest ranking female in US political history.
2006: Michelle Bachelet is elected President of Chile.
2006: Portia Simpson Miller elected first Prime Minister of Jamaica.
2007: Senator Hillary Clinton is the first woman to ever be considered as a top candidate (or even a serious one) for the US Presidency. However, she eventually loses the Democratic Party Nomination to Senator Barack Obama of Illinois in the tightest Primary race in US history.
2007: Cristina Fernández de Kirchner elected President of Argentina.
2007: Pratibha Patil is elected President of India.
2008: Zinaida Greceanîi is elected Prime Minister of Moldova.
1776: The State Constitution of New Jersey granted all property-owning citizens the right to vote, regardless of race or color. However, this right was lost in 1807 when it was restricted to white males.
1869: Wyoming becomes the first sub-national territory to grant women the right to vote, followed by Utah (1870, lost in 1887, restored in 1895), Colorado (1893), Arizona (1912), Oregon (1912), Illinios (1913) and Montana (1914).
1872: Susan B. Anthony is the first US woman to vote in a presidential election; subsequently, she is arrested for having voted illegally. However, her trial provided her with a much more public platform to spread her message. True to her word, she never paid the fine imposed upon her as punishment for voting.
1881: The Isle of Man gives property-owning unmarried women and widows the right to vote, becoming the first nation to do so.
1882: Aletta Jacobs is the first woman in the Netherlands to attempt to register to vote; her application is denied.
1893: New Zealand grants all women the right to vote; however, New Zealand is not a sovereign nation at this time but a self-governing colony of the British Empire. Regardless, New Zealand is often credited today for being the first nation to grant all women the right to vote. Women gained the right to stand for office in New Zealand in 1919.
1906-1907: Finland becomes the first European nation to give women the vote, and 19 women are elected to the new 200-person Finnish parliament.
1916: Jeanette Rankin of Montana is the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
1920: The US ratifies the 19th Ammendment, providing universal sufferage to women.
1928: Women ages 21 to 29 in Britain are able to vote for the first time, as women's suffrage is reduced from age 30 to 21.
1930: Alexandra Kollontai is appointed Ambassador from the Soviet Union to Sweden, becoming the first woman Ambassador in modern history.
1933: Frances Perkins, the first U.S. female Cabinet member, is appointed Secretary of Labor.
1946: Women vote and stand for election to the House of Representatives for the first time in Japan. Of the 79 women running for office, 39 are elected.
1960: Nakayama Masa is appointed Minister of Health and Welfare in Japan, becoming Japan's first female cabinet member.
1960: Siramavo Bandaranaike of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) becomes the world's first female Prime Minister.
1966: Indira Gandhi becomes the first Prime Minister of India.
1968: Soong Ching-ling named Co-Chairwoman of the People's Republic of China, becoming the first non-royal woman to lead the state of China.
1969: Golda Meir becomes the first female Prime Minister of Israel.
1974: Maria Estela (Isabela) Martinez de Peron succeeds her husband and becomes the first woman President of Argentina and the first female head of state in the Americas.
1979: Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo becomes the first woman Prime Minister of Portugal.
1979: Lidia Geiler is the first woman elected President of Bolivia.
1979: Margaret Thatcher becomes the first woman Prime MInister of the United Kingdom. She served in that position -- winning re-election in 1983 and in 1987 -- until resigning in 1990.
1979: Simone Weil of France is the first woman elected President of the European Parliament.
1980: Vigdis Finnbogadottir is the first woman elected President of Iceland.
1980: Jeanne Sauve is the first woman appointed Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada.
1981: Gro Harlem Brundtland is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Norway.
1982: Agatha Barbara is elected President of Malta.
1982: Milka Planinc is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Yugoslavia.
1982: Eugenia Charles, Doinica, is the first woman to become Prime Minister in the Caribbean.
1982: Rosario Ibarra de Piedra is the first woman to run for President of Mexico.
1984: Geraldine Ferraro is the first woman nominated for Vice-President by either major political party in the United States.
1985: Maria Liberia-Peters is the first woman to become Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles.
1986: Corazon Aquino is the first woman elected president of the Philippines.
1988: Benazir Bhutto is the first woman elected Prime Minister of Pakistan and becomes the first woman elected to head a Muslim country. However, she was removed from office 20 months later on false charges of corruption. In 1993 she was re-elected but was again removed in 1996. She went into self-imposed exile in Dubai for security reasons. In 2007, she returned to Pakistan as a popular figure, likely to win election to be Prime Minister once again. She was assassinated by Islamic Fundamental Extremists on December 27, 2007.
1989: Violeta Barrios de Chamorro elected President of Nicagagua.
1990: Mary Robinson is the first woman elected President of Ireland.
1990: Ertha Pascal-Trouillot is the first woman elected President of Haiti.
1990: Carmen Lawrence is Australia's first female Premier.
1991: Edith Cresson is the first woman elected Prime Minister of France.
1991: Khaleda Zia Rahman is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
1991: Rita Johnston is Canada's first female Premier.
1992: California elects two women, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, to the U.S. Senate.
1992: Betty Boothroyd is the first woman chosen to be Speaker of the House of Commons in Great Britain.
1992: Hanna Suchocka is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Poland.
1993: Toujan Faisal is the first woman elected to the Parliament of Jordan.
1993: Tansu Ciller is the first woman elected Prime Minister of Turkey.
1993: Agathe Uwilingiyimana is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Rwanda, though she was officially relieved of her position eighteen days later. She remained in the position however in a "caretaker capacity" until her assassination in 1994 at the beginning of the Rawandan Genocide.
1993: Anson Chan is the first woman, also the first Chinese person, to be appointed Chief Secretary, the number two position in Hong Kong.
1993: Sylvie Kinigi is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Burundi.
1993: Canada received first female Prime Minister Kim Campbell.
1994: Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga elected President of Sri Lanka.
1995: Two women run for President and 8 for Vice President of Peru, the first time women have been candidates for these offices.
1997: Mary McAleese elected President of Ireland.
1999: Vaira Vike-Freiberga elected to President of Latvia. She is the first woman to president of a country in Eastern Europe of the former Soviet Union.
1999: Mireya Elisa Moscoso de Arias becomes first female President of Panama.
1999: Helen Clark elected Prime Minister of New Zealand.
2000: Tarja Kaarina Halonen elected to be Finland's first female President.
2001: Maria Gloria Macapagal Arroyo elected President of the Phillippines.
2001: Megawati Sukarnoputri elected as the first woman President of the Republic of Indonesia.
2002: Nancy Pelosi is sworn in as the House Democratic Whip - the highest-ranking leadership position ever held by a women in the United States Congress at that time. She was later named Minority Leader.
2003: Beatriz Merino was elected as Prime Minister of Peru, becoming the first woman to hold the position. However, unsubstantiated rumors began to circulate about Merino that she was a lesbian due to her status as unmarried and having bought a house with a female collegue. Due to the fact that Peru is a deeply Roman Catholic nation, these rumors were enough to have Merino dismissed from office 6 months after her term began, despite a 60% job approval rating.
2004: Luisa Diogo is elected Prime Minister of Mozambique.
2004-2005: Yulia Tymoshenko helps lead the Ukrainian Orange Revolution and is named Prime Minister by her "Orange Partner" President Viktor Yushenko. Yushenko removes her from office in 2006 and reappoints her once again to the office in 2007.
2005: Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson elected Africa's first female president as Liberia's head-of-state in November.
2005: Angela Merkel elected Chancellor of Germany.
2006: Democrats take control of the United States Congress and Nancy Pelosi is elevated to the position of Speaker of the House. She is the third highest ranking official in the United States government and the highest ranking female in US political history.
2006: Michelle Bachelet is elected President of Chile.
2006: Portia Simpson Miller elected first Prime Minister of Jamaica.
2007: Senator Hillary Clinton is the first woman to ever be considered as a top candidate (or even a serious one) for the US Presidency. However, she eventually loses the Democratic Party Nomination to Senator Barack Obama of Illinois in the tightest Primary race in US history.
2007: Cristina Fernández de Kirchner elected President of Argentina.
2007: Pratibha Patil is elected President of India.
2008: Zinaida Greceanîi is elected Prime Minister of Moldova.
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